ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament and is located in the middle of the knee. Its primary function is to prevent the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone. An ACL injury occurs most commonly in contact sports where there is a sudden change in direction for example in football, rugby etc. Often an ACL tear does not happen in isolation. When you tear you ACL, other structures of the knee may be damaged.
An ACL tear usually occurs as a result of either a twisting force being applied to the knee while the foot is firmly planted on the ground or twisting of the knee when landing from a jump. They can also occur from contact situation. This direct blow from the outside of the knee causes the knee to buckle inwards. The ACL can be partially or completely torn. If you suspect an injury to your ACL you should seek medical guidance as soon as possible. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess the integrity of you ACL. They can recommend further medical treatment should it be required.
Following an ACL tear most people opt for surgical reconstruction. However, it must be clear that surgery is not always necessary. Some people complete intensive physiotherapy rehabilitation and function day to day very well without surgery. The overall decision on whether to operate depends on a number of factors. Some factors are the athlete’s age, their occupation, their lifestyle and the degree of instability within the knee. An orthopaedic surgeon will be able to advise on which treatment approach is preferable. Before opting for surgery you must be aware that you will need some time off work in the initial recovery period. Moreover, you will also have to dedicate a lot of time and effort to your rehabilitation to make the best recovery possible.
After diagnosis of an ACL tear and the initial acute management phase, the first stage of recovery is to restore full range of movement through mobility exercises. Before surgery, knee swelling and movement must be back to normal. Research has shown that this results in better outcomes after surgery.
Each patient and injury will be different so it is important to see guidance from a trained physiotherapist to guide you through your rehabilitation.
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic our physiotherapist are trained in ACL rehabilitation. Two of our therapists, David Richards and Olive Mc Cafferty have a masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine and work with sports teams. Contact the clinic today to book an appointment. We have both early morning and evening appointments.