An ACL reconstruction provides patients the opportunity to regain joint stability, allowing them to return to physical activities without restrictions and preventing early knee degeneration. However, surgery is only the beginning. The effort you put into rehabilitation is crucial and will determine the success of the operation. To help you recover your mobility, strength, endurance, and balance, your physical therapist, surgeon, and sports medicine physician will provide the necessary guidance.
Rehabilitation begins on the very first day after surgery. A physical therapist will visit you in your room twice a day to teach you how to walk with crutches and the exercises you can perform at home. Physiotherapy sessions, twice a week, should begin on the 7th day post-surgery and continue for several months. Walking is allowed with weight-bearing as tolerated, without a brace, using crutches for 4 weeks, except in some cases of associated meniscal or ligamentous injuries.
The knee will be swollen for the first 2-3 weeks, and a bruise may appear. Apply ice frequently to your knee (every two hours). During hospitalization, a compressive cryotherapy device (Game Ready®) is applied immediately after surgery, and its use can be continued at home by renting it through La Tour Hospital.
Post-operative follow-up is coordinated with your surgeon and a sports medicine physician at La Tour Hospital to optimize your rehabilitation. Appointments will take place every 1 to 2 months until you are cleared to return to sports.
From 6 months after surgery, your sports medicine physician will arrange isokinetic and functional tests at the La Tour Rehabilitation Center. The goal is to objectively assess lower limb strength and neuromuscular control through scientifically validated tests. Return to sports activities is then permitted or postponed depending on the results. Return to pivot-contact sports (football, basketball, skiing, etc.) is generally allowed from 8-9 months post-surgery.
For more details on the anterior cruciate ligament: Public conference on YouTube, December 3, 2020.
ACL Tear: Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Management.
Link to the patient information brochure: ACL Reconstruction
Link to a Testimonial Video: Comeback After an Injury
Rehabilitation begins on the very first day after surgery. A physical therapist will visit you in your room twice a day to teach you how to walk with crutches and the exercises you can perform at home. Physiotherapy sessions, twice a week, should begin on the 7th day post-surgery and continue for several months. Walking is allowed with weight-bearing as tolerated, without a brace, using crutches for 4 weeks, except in some cases of associated meniscal or ligamentous injuries.
The knee will be swollen for the first 2-3 weeks, and a bruise may appear. Apply ice frequently to your knee (every two hours). During hospitalization, a compressive cryotherapy device (Game Ready®) is applied immediately after surgery, and its use can be continued at home by renting it through La Tour Hospital.
Post-operative follow-up is coordinated with your surgeon and a sports medicine physician at La Tour Hospital to optimize your rehabilitation. Appointments will take place every 1 to 2 months until you are cleared to return to sports.
From 6 months after surgery, your sports medicine physician will arrange isokinetic and functional tests at the La Tour Rehabilitation Center. The goal is to objectively assess lower limb strength and neuromuscular control through scientifically validated tests. Return to sports activities is then permitted or postponed depending on the results. Return to pivot-contact sports (football, basketball, skiing, etc.) is generally allowed from 8-9 months post-surgery.
For more details on the anterior cruciate ligament: Public conference on YouTube, December 3, 2020.
ACL Tear: Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Management.
Link to the patient information brochure: ACL Reconstruction
Link to a Testimonial Video: Comeback After an Injury
