Welcome to the Kinetic Sports Medicine and Performance Podcast with Dr. Michael Falk. I'm excited to share insights on a topic that’s evolved significantly over the past several years: the early stages of ACL rehab. Initially, I believed that while important, this phase was less critical compared to late-stage rehab. However, my perspective has changed through years of experience. In this blog post, I will unpack why the early stage is so vital and what you need to focus on for a successful recovery.
For many athletes, the initial phase of ACL rehab sets the foundation for future success. We’ve observed that athletes starting with halfway completed ACL rehab from other clinics often miss crucial milestones, leading to delays in their recovery and long-term outcomes. Thus, getting this stage right is crucial for your return to sport and performance.
Restoring knee range of motion is one of the first goals post-surgery. Your role at home is as significant as those physical therapy sessions. Especially focus on knee straightening from day one to avoid conditions like Cyclops lesion and to promote normal walking patterns.
Effective swelling management is critical and largely your responsibility. Follow the guidelines set by your PT and surgeon, applying compression and elevation to help reduce swelling alongside regular rehabilitation exercises.
Contrary to popular belief, strength building, particularly in the quadriceps, is not reserved for later stages. Initiating strength exercises early is key. Many athletes we treat tend to have underdeveloped quad strength by the time they reach end-stage rehab, often because they have not sufficiently focused on building it from early on.
Don’t neglect your uninvolved leg. Its strength can aid the recovery of your surgical leg. Engaging in exercises for your unaffected side can bring about benefits, including movement pattern maintenance and strength transfer.
Avoid starting complex exercises too soon to prevent ingraining poor movement patterns. Early squatting and similar exercises can introduce harmful compensations if not properly managed. Develop proper technique early to avoid long-term issues.
New research highlights the ACL’s role in proprioception. Address this by incorporating neurocognitive tasks early in your rehab. This practice helps train your body to compensate for changes, enhancing overall performance and reducing injury risk upon return to play.
Having a physical therapist who specializes in ACL rehab is crucial. Their expertise ensures that you not only perform exercises correctly but also that you engage with innovative methods that maximize your recovery.
Reflecting on our experiences over the last seven years, we've reached a pivotal conclusion: starting pre-op or immediately post-op with expert guidance significantly improves overall outcomes. This blog aims to foster informed dialogue with your medical team. For those in the Milwaukee area, we're here to assist with any questions and to ensure you're on the best path to recovery. Thank you for joining us. Stay tuned for our next episode where we delve deeper into sports rehabilitation topics. Until then, keep up the diligent work on your rehab process, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further advice.
Listen to more in our episode of the Milwaukee Sports Performance Podcast on this page, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or watch on our YouTube Channel.