Effective rehabilitation of your anterior cruciate ligament

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common intra-articular ligament injuries. Moreover, they are among the more serious injuries, because the ACL plays an essential role in the function of the knee. A torn anterior cruciate ligament is usually the result of a sports injury. It frequently occurs in indoor, field and contact sports (football, hockey, handball, korfball) and high-energy sports (skiing, motorcross). Twisting the knee is often indicated as the cause. This usually happens at unexpected moments when the muscles have no control over the leg.

Causes of a torn anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the large ligaments (tissue bands) that connect the femur to the shin bone. Your anterior cruciate ligament can tear if you receive a direct blow to your knee. Other causes could be:

• The knee extends further than it should;
• You suddenly stop running;
• You land on a straight leg;
• Your knee twists while your foot remains on the ground

Characteristics of a torn anterior cruciate ligament

If you tear your anterior cruciate ligament, you will likely feel a sharp, intense pain or hear a loud “pop” or “snap.” You may not even be able to stand on the injured leg because your knee joint cannot support your weight.

Examination for anterior cruciate ligament injury

If you first visit Physiotherapy Iburg in Rotterdam, your therapist will conduct a thorough examination in which your health history will be reviewed. Your therapist will ask you if you have experienced the above causes and/or noticed strong swelling around the knee in the first few hours after the injury. Your physiotherapist will also perform special tests to determine the likelihood of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. For example, the physiotherapist can do the Lachman/anterior drawer test, where the specialist bends your knee and gently pulls on the lower leg. Another test is the “pivot shift,” where the physical therapist gently bends and rotates your knee at the same time. During this examination of the anterior cruciate ligament you may experience an unpleasant feeling or instability. This is normal. In addition, the physiotherapist may perform more tests to assess possible damage to other parts of your knee.

How can a specialized physiotherapist help with a torn anterior cruciate ligament?

Once a torn anterior cruciate ligament has been diagnosed, you will work with your surgeon and physical therapist to decide whether to have surgery or whether you can attempt recovery without surgery.

Treatment before surgery

Before surgery, the physical therapist can help reduce swelling, strengthen your thigh muscles (quadriceps), and increase the range of motion in your knee. Research has shown that this improvement before surgery leads to better results after surgery.

Treatment after surgery

After the operation, the physiotherapists follow the guidelines for knee stability and movement problems for optimal recovery. You are ready to return to sports or work when you no longer experience pain or swelling, you no longer have a feeling of instability during activities and your quadriceps strength is back to 90%.

Treatment without surgery

Research shows that a specific group of patients can be successful without surgery. This group of patients only has injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and does not experience moments of “sagging” after the onset of the ACL injury. If it is decided not to have surgery on your ACL, your physiotherapist will work with you to restore muscle strength, coordination and endurance.

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament injury

Rehabilitation after an ACL injury and after an ACL reconstruction is one of the specializations of our physiotherapists. The physiotherapists at Fysiotherapie Iburg work with protocols, a number of measuring moments and evaluations take place so that the entire rehabilitation process is recorded. Taking into account your specific load characteristics and request for assistance, targeted and functional training is provided in our exercise room in order to optimally load the knee in general daily functioning and in sports and/or relaxation situations.

The expertise and specific exercise equipment that Physiotherapy Iburg has at its disposal contribute to excellent rehabilitation of your knee.