ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) INJURY

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that stabilise your knee. Located deep within the knee joint, the ACL prevents excessive forward movement and rotation of the shinbone (tibia) relative to the thighbone (femur). ACL injuries are common in sports like football, netball, skiing, and basketball, where sudden changes in direction, landing awkwardly, or direct collisions can occur.

ACL injuries are categorised based on severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild Sprain): The ligament is stretched but not torn.
• Grade 2 (Partial Tear): The ligament is partially torn, leading to some instability.
• Grade 3 (Complete Tear): The ligament is fully torn, resulting in significant instability of the knee.

Symptoms include:

• A “pop” sound at the time of injury.
• Immediate swelling.
• Pain and difficulty bearing weight.
• A feeling of instability or giving way.

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in both non-surgical and post-surgical recovery from ACL injuries. Here’s how:

Initial Management

Physiotherapists focus on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation using:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Taping or bracing for support.
• Gentle mobility exercises.

Strengthening and Stability

After the initial pain subsides, rehabilitation focuses on:

• Strengthening surrounding muscles, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Proprioception and balance exercises to improve knee stability.

Return to Function

The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to restore normal knee function. This involves:

• Gradual progression to sport-specific movements.
• Plyometric exercises like jumping and landing drills.
• Agility training to prepare for quick directional changes.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

If surgery is required (typically for a complete tear or in athletes), physiotherapists guide recovery in phases:

• Phase 1: Restoring knee range of motion and managing swelling.
• Phase 2: Rebuilding strength and stability.
• Phase 3: Advanced functional training.
• Phase 4: Return-to-sport assessments to minimise reinjury risk.

Education and Injury Prevention

Physiotherapists educate patients about optimal movement mechanics and develop prevention strategies, such as warm-up routines and strengthening programmes, to reduce the risk of reinjury.

Addressing an ACL injury early can prevent long-term complications like chronic instability or osteoarthritis. Whether treated conservatively or with surgery, physiotherapy is essential for optimising recovery and helping you return to your favourite activities safely.

If you’ve experienced a knee injury or want to learn more about ACL prevention and rehabilitation, book an appointment with your physiotherapist today. By calling 98889 3903 or book online.