English
Español
Français
简体中文
नेपाली
Tiếng Việt
ACL Tear
ACL patients who receive physical therapy (PT) before surgery are known to have faster recovery than those who only receive PT after surgery
The ACL is one of the major ligaments (bands of tissue) connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. Sudden movement, twisting of the knee, jumping, stretching or incurring a hit to the knee can cause the ACL to tear.
ACL tears commonly affect soccer and basketball players, gymnasts, skiers and other athletes. Women are four to six times more likely than men to experience an ACL tear. About 70% of ACL tears are the result of non-contact injuries; 30% are the result of direct contact.
While many people with ACL tears undergo surgery to repair the damage, some modify their activity to avoid further stress or damage to the knee. In any case, extensive rehabilitation follows to strengthen and protect the knee from further damage, and to allow return to athletics or other physical activity.
Physical Therapy for ACL Tear
Following surgery or other medical consultation, a physical therapist works with your doctor to set up a pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation program. Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation works closely with ACL patients’ surgeons to follow a specific protocol, as each surgery and surgeon has its own unique approach.
The customary pre-surgical therapy focuses on decreasing swelling, normalizing gait and increasing strength of certain muscle groups that help support the ligaments in the knee so that a successful “prehabilitation” facilitates quicker post-operative rehabilitation. Post-surgical PT employs various modalities to decrease swelling and pain, manual therapy to improve joint mobility as well as range of motion, and to strengthen specific muscles that support the knee. Gait training is done, and patient education provides for ongoing exercises and injury prevention techniques.
Modalities: Cold laser and/or infrared light therapy, ultrasound, electric stimulation, icing.
Related Services:
For more information, Contact Us Today.
Latest Blogs
Our 3-step guide to using a foam roller for knee pain
Research shows that about 1 out of every 4 adults in the U.S. experiences chronic knee pain. That’s a massive portion of the population that experiences knee pain on more than one occasion. There are lots of reasons why one might experience it, including...
3 possible reasons why you feel dizzy while driving
Many people experience dizziness while driving at least once in their lifetime, if not more. It can be troubling and confusing, to say the least. It is also dangerous. Dizziness can impair your driving ability and potentially put you and others around you in...
5 things you can do throughout the day to help prevent shoulder pain after sleeping
According to a poll, 10% of Americans wake up with pain on a daily basis. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach or back, your sleeping position can contribute to your shoulder pain. Thankfully, making small changes in your daily routine can help you limit the number...
Got Questions?
We Have Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Edison Office
3830 Park Avenue, Suite 202
Edison, NJ 08820
(732) 401-9937
Springfield Office
219 Morris Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081
(973) 671-5830
Union Office
(Union Medical Park)
1000 Galloping Hill Road, Suite 102
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 258-8782
Woodbridge Office
453 Amboy Ave
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
(732) 388-4184
The content on this website is informational only and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult one of our licensed physical therapists for more information.