
Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL
The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is a major ligament inside the knee joint, which prevents torsional and frontal plane movement of the two bones forming the knee. Injury to this ligament is a serious compromise of the stability of the knee joint. Usually the injury will be heard with a ‘pop’ and swelling around the knee joint will follow with difficulty weight bearing for 2-7 days.
If you think you have injured your ACL you will need to have it assessed by a Physio and then if necessary have an MRI scan to confirm the misfortune. Most likely, you will require surgical repair to re-stabilise the knee in order to continue with sport. Failure to do so will lead to degeneration of the knee joint.
Before and after ACL repair Physio is important. Prior to surgery Physio will ensure that the knee is moving at its best and is a strong as it can be so that post-op the knee can ‘hit the ground running’. Or maybe not running, but you know what I mean!
Post-operatively the ACL repair will take from 6-12 months. A graduated return to functional movements and sport will be coordinated with the surgeon’s protocol. At Moving with Ease we have the experience and equipment to ensure your rehabilitation is smooth and safe right from day one to your return to sport or everyday living.