The female athlete is unfortunately more at risk of damaging their ACL than males, even taking into account amount of time spent playing sport. It goes without saying that the knee is a very complex piece of kit but it allows huge loads across it and yet functions to provide highly agile movements with fast…
This information sheet provides information on the nature and purpose of the procedure in addition to an outline of the post-operative rehabilitation. Purpose and description of the procedure This operation involves repair of the meniscus or footballer’s cartilage in the knee. The cartilage acts as a protective weight bearing “shim” helping to transmit weight between…
Introduction This section describes the techniques to try and optimise return to sport following ACL reconstruction. The first section summarises the overall principles of getting back to sport, and this is then followed by more in-depth concepts for specific sports. Various different rehabilitation experts have contributed to this section. Getting an individual back to their…
Return To Sport Phase – Month 6 – 9 And Beyond Aim The aim of this phase is to progress sport training and to develop strength and endurance levels to allow return to full sporting activity. This takes time, especially in building up confidence to progress to full contact activities. Return to contact sport is…
Early Sport Training Phase – Month 3 – 6 Aim Pivoting and cutting movements are introduced at this stage, building up to light sport training. This involves a progressive programme of slow and moderate speed strength training and agility drills. Manual work should be possible within the restraints of the occupation. Exercises for power and…
Strength Phase – Weeks 6 – 12 Aim At six weeks the graft will be solidly fixed into bone so that more vigorous strength training can start. Thigh muscle tone and definition (quadriceps / hamstrings) will be hopefully have been maintained during the first post op phase and now the main strength work can begin….
Proprioception Phase (Sensory Awareness) WEEKS 3 – 6 Aim : The aim of this phase is to work on proprioceptive exercises and to develop light endurance and strength training. This stage is also important for developing core stability to help you progress to full active function. By the end of six weeks your knee should…
Initial Post Op Phase – First 2 Weeks Aim The aim of this phase is to regain the range of joint movement and to allow swelling in the knee to settle. The most important aim is to regain normal and full extension (straightening) of the knee. After seeing the physiotherapist on the ward the next…
Preoperative Preparation And Operative Period Pre Op Rehabilitation begins before surgery in the pre-operative phase to ensure that the individual and their knee are ready for the operation. Ensure full range of movement, especially normal hyperextension, i.e. so the knee extends to the same as the other leg. Exercises to maintain quadriceps and hamstring muscle…
There are six main rehabilitation phases and example exercises for each phase are given in the sections that follow. Many different exercises are available to achieve the goals and these are tailored to each individual by the physiotherapy team. Various example exercises are outlined in each section. Phase 1: Preoperative preparation/operative period. Phase 2: Initial…
