Whether choosing a surgical or nonsurgical approach to treatment, physical therapy is a vital part of healing from an ACL tear or injury. When it comes to ACL rehabilitation, there are three main treatment goals your physical therapist and orthopaedic surgeon will work towards for you to be cleared to return to normal activity.
The three main treatment goals include:
Your doctor and physical therapist will design a comprehensive physical rehabilitation (rehab) program that takes into consideration the following:
Throughout the next several months, you will work with your physical therapist on incorporating strength and flexibility exercises, including sport-specific exercises. UPMC Sports Medicine’s science-based approach to rehabilitation from ACL injury typically involves five phases. The duration of each phase will depend on your approach to treatment.
When rehabbing from ACL surgery, your physical therapist will include drills at each phase of recovery that will help:
During rehab from ACL reconstruction, you'll learn:
Contact the UPMC Sports Medicine ACL Program today to learn more or make an appointment.