Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Q: In cases of a torn ACL, is physical therapy better than surgery?
It depends on the degree of the injury and the patient’s goals. A thorough clinical examination and sometimes imaging are needed. If the patient’s goal is to return to sports activities that require changes in movement direction (e.g., soccer), surgery is recommended.
Q: Is it necessary to undergo physical therapy before surgery?
A rehabilitation program should be undertaken before the operation. The program aims to reduce swelling, restore full knee range of motion, and strengthen the front and back thigh muscles.
Q: When can I return to playing after ACL surgery?
The complete rehabilitation program should be finished, which takes no less than 6 months, and passing all necessary functional tests. Otherwise, there might be a risk of re-injury.
Q: When should I start physical therapy after ACL surgery?
It’s preferable to begin immediately on the first day after the operation.
Q: When should full knee extension be achieved after ACL surgery?
The treating specialist should ensure that the patient achieves full extension within the first month. The sooner we achieve full flexion, the quicker and better the results.
Q: When can I drive after ACL surgery?
In cases of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction alone, using tendons from the hamstring muscles, the duration ranges from 4-6 weeks, in addition to guidance from the physical therapist and the treating doctor.
Q: When can I walk without crutches after ACL surgery?
Between 4-6 weeks, the physical therapist assesses the patient’s condition, and if there are no complications, a gradual abandonment of crutches is recommended.
Q: When can I pray after ACL surgery?
In cases of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction alone using tendons from the hamstring muscles, the duration ranges from two to three months for the patient to be able to pray normally. The duration may vary if there are other cartilage repairs or if the graft is taken from a different location.
