The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical component of the knee joint, responsible for stabilizing the knee during movement. A tear or sprain of the ACL can lead to significant pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, making daily activities challenging. Recovering from an ACL injury is often complicated and requires a comprehensive approach. The recovery process may include strengthening exercises to increase knee joint stability, flexibility exercises to enhance mobility, and manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapists at Twin Boro Physical Therapy assist patients in recovering from ACL injuries and returning to their preferred activities. With the help of physical therapy, individuals with ACL injuries can effectively manage their symptoms, regain their mobility, and return to their normal activities.
4 Specialized Rehabilitation Exercises
Rehabilitation exercises play a critical role in the recovery process for ACL injuries. These targeted exercises are tailored to individual patient’s unique needs and help patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life:
- Straight leg raises – Lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent. Tighten your quadriceps muscle and lift your straight leg towards the ceiling. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then slowly lower back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other leg.
- Hamstring curls – Lie on your stomach with your legs straight. Bend your knee and lift your heel towards your buttocks. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then slowly lower back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other leg.
- Wall slides – Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down the wall into a squat position, keeping your knees aligned with your toes. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then slowly slide back up the wall. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
- Step-ups – Stand in front of a step or bench with one foot on the step and the other foot on the ground. Step up onto the step with the foot on the ground, then step back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other leg.
Not all ACL injuries require surgery, but physical therapy is still essential to the recovery process if surgery is needed. The decision to have surgery depends on the extent and location of the tear, the age and activity level of the patient, and the presence of other injuries. Twin Boro Physical Therapy helps patients prepare for surgery by improving their range of motion, strength, and flexibility, which can help speed up the recovery process post-surgery. Physical therapy also helps reduce pain and swelling, improve circulation, and prevent muscle atrophy. After surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring the injured knee’s range of motion, strength, and function.
Get Started Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an ACL injury, Twin Boro Physical Therapy is here to provide expert rehabilitation for ACL injuries with physical therapy. Our team of experienced physical therapists uses a comprehensive approach to treatment. We can provide effective and efficient care to help you recover, regain strength and mobility, and reclaim your quality of life by addressing your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery by calling 732.554.0775 or visiting our appointment request form at https://twinboro.com/.
