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Step 1: Range of Motion -
Step 2: Restore
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Step 3: Speed and Agility
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Step 4: Testing
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Step 5: Maintain
Step 1: Range of Motion
Maintain Strength, Fitness, and Restore Range of Motion
Following surgery, your muscles immediately start to lose mass and strength. The more we can do in the early phases of your rehab to decrease the loss of strength and muscle mass the faster we will be able to progress in the late stages of your rehab.
A key component in the first phase of rehab is to restore your range of motion. Immediately following surgery your knee will be very tight. Restoring your full range of motion-especially the ability to straighten your knee right away- is critical to making a complete recovery.
We also know that you only had surgery on one leg. We will guide you to continue training the other leg and your upper body while selecting safe options to maintain your cardiovascular fitness levels as you recover.
Step 2: Restore
Restore Physical Capacity
In Step 2 – the middle stage of your rehabilitation – we work with you to restore base levels of strength and power. Our performance rehab specialists are uniquely qualified to help during this phase as are certified strength and conditioning professionals. These experts will design thorough programs to guide you step by step. Then, you put the work in to achieve the progress you are seeking.
Step 3: Speed and Agility
Speed and Agility
Once you have achieved the basic levels of range of motion, strength and power, we incorporate these capacities into dynamic movement to simulate activity you will do on the field.
Working remotely with your performance rehab specialist, you will sprint, decelerate, and cut to ensure that you can move with good mechanics and are comfortable with all of these skills before you return to practice or a game.
Step 4: Testing
Testing and Return to Play
Every athlete’s recovery is different. So, the only way to know for sure that your body is fully healed is to measure and track your progress. Then we know whether the program is working and make sure you return to the field when you have fully recovered.
Passing even the most basic objective test protocols has been shown to decrease the risk of a second ACL tear by as much as 84 percent. Unfortunately, most medical professionals are not objectively testing athletes before making return to play recommendations. In one recent study, only 14 percent of physical therapists reported using any objective measurement other than time elapsed since the surgery before allowing an athlete to return to the field. The passage of time alone will not heal and strengthen your leg. You will perform a set of functional jump tests and isolated strength tests in which your performance rehab specialist will interpret the outcome and movement quality to help guide your readiness.
Step 5: Maintain
Maintain Performance
Perhaps the most important step in reducing your risk of re-injury is to follow a disciplined maintenance program. You will return to your sport/activity with a complete plan for your return-to-sport and maintenance throughout the season and beyond.
We will provide you with a detailed and evidence-based warm up protocol proven to reduce your risk of re-injury. And, you will have an in-season strength training workout you will need to complete to maintain your strength in season.
The combination of the right rehab program, objective measurement of your readiness to return to play and a comprehensive maintenance program will help you beat the odds and enjoy competing in your favorite sport!
Who You'll Be Working With:
Dr. Brett Ferstl
Dr. Brett has worked with hundreds of ACL patients across all ages, performance levels, and sports. Along with being a Doctor in Physical Therapy, Dr. Brett is also a certified Clinical Athlete Weightlifting coach and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He has a passion for helping athletes return to their sports after an ACL injury and has years of experience getting athletes back to peak performance post ACL surgery.
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