Recovering from ACL surgery

An ACL tear happens when the knee experiences sudden twists or changes in direction. People who play high-impact sports are especially susceptible to ACL tears. These sports include but are not limited to soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, etc. When an ACL is torn, there is typically a popping sound, swelling, and pain.

ACL surgery typically features a graft that involves taking a ligament from another part of the body to replace the torn ACL. Recovery from an ACL tear can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The help of a physical therapist is crucial to the success of your recovery. Island Sports Physical Therapy has offices all over Long Island in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Coram, East Meadow and Glen Cove. They specialize in sports specific therapy and are more than capable of helping you return to playing soccer after ACL surgery.

ACL surgery recovery features:

• Right after the surgery, you should immobilize your knee to aid the healing process.
• After surgery, you should use ice to reduce swelling of the knee.
• Gradually placing weight on the knee with or without the aid of a knee brace or crutches.
• Your physical therapist will then help you achieve full range of motion with the recovering knee.
• Muscle strengthening exercises will be incorporated into your recovery to help regain strength lost during the immobilization phase.
• The later stages of recovery involve advanced strengthening techniques, advanced cardio exercises, and balance/stability exercises to strengthen the new ACL.

Even though a physical therapist is crucial to your ACL tear recovery, misinterpreting their advice or pushing yourself too fast can do more harm than good. In fact, it can make your recovery longer as well as lead to additional surgeries.

Contact us!

If you’ve had ACL surgery and wish to have a speedy recovery to be able to return to soccer contact one of Island Sports Physical Therapy’s Long Island offices today!