Pre-Surgery Preparation: GET READY!

Before your surgery, thorough pre-surgery preparation (pre-habilitation) is key. Follow your physiotherapist’s guidelines, attend pre-operative sessions, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments for a smoother recovery.

The Surgery

your surgeon will go through the process with you prior to the surgery, but it’s a very common procedure so just relax and close your eyes!

The First Week: BEGIN RECOVERY!

The initial days are critical. Manage discomfort and swelling with prescribed pain relief and gentle exercises. Incorporate ice and elevation techniques for effective recovery. For faster recovery: Cryotherapy which includes usage of machine that uses ice water to reduce inflammation can help greatly at this stage!

Weeks 2-6:

Progressing into the second week, focus shifts to regaining mobility. Physical therapy becomes vital for strength and flexibility. Follow your physiotherapist’s exercises tailored to target specific muscle groups around the knee.

Weeks 6-12: WALKING!

Here, stability increases, and pain diminishes. Engage in challenging physiotherapy sessions emphasizing balance and coordination. Consistency in rehabilitation is crucial for optimal results.

Months 3-6:

At the third month, significant strides are made. Dynamic exercises are introduced, emphasizing agility and functional movements. Open communication with your healthcare team ensures a well-monitored recovery.

Months 6-9: RUNNING!

By 6-9 months, a sense of normalcy returns. Gradually reintroduce sports or strenuous activities under your physiotherapist’s guidance. Prioritize a gradual return to prevent setbacks.

Beyond 9 Months- 15 months: RETURN TO SPORTS

Beyond 9 months, focus on maintaining gained strength and flexibility. Regular check-ups with your physiotherapist and consistent exercises prevent future injuries, ensuring long-term knee health. This is the time to slowly return to solo practices, eventually sports and then return to full performance!

Take home message!

1. Recovery is different for everyone! You might be a month or two behind, or ahead, of everyone else! Not to worry!
2. The worst mistake you can make is getting back into the sports too quickly! Recent research suggests returning to sports before 12 or even 15 months has a high rate of re-injury. So be careful and wait for your physiotherapist to clear you for sports!

ACL surgery recovery demands patience, dedication, and proper guidance. Understand the timeline and work closely with your physiotherapist for a successful recovery.