physiotherpy after ACL reconstruction

[simmi16]

i am 29 yr old female, i underwent my ACL RECONSTRUCTION 10 DAYS BK FOR MY RT RNEE VIA SEMITENDONOUS GRAFT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY DOC NOT TO PUT ANT WEIGHT ON RT FOOT ,IN OTHER WORDS I AM ON CRUCHES TILL 3 WKS. I want detailed information regarding my post op physiotherapy. Presently i am just doing rt leg raising 8-10 times . Do i need physiotherapist? Pls brief the type of exercises i need to undergo. when will i start walking?

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[msk101]

HI Simmi,

Yes, please see a physio! ACL reconstruction rehab is actually very boring. However in your case there may be other contraindications to movements as your doc has advised non-weight bearing for 3 weeks which (in australia at least) is unusual... usually we get patients up and walking day 1 post surgery. so you will need to be progressed to weightbearing and walking normally as soon as you're allowed to.
For a hamstring graft the usual rules are not doing any active through range of motion hamstring exercises for 6 weeks post op and then commencing re-strengthening of the hamstrings... you should regain full strength within the year.
the standard ACL precautions are: no hopping/jumping or jogging on the knee for a minimum of 4-6 months depending on your strength and stability as assessed by a physio
secondly NO pivoting or twisting on the knee
and thirdly NO "inner range quads" (also called quads over fulcrum extensions) due to the shearing forces this movement exerts on the newly healing grafted tendon. obviously no kicking footballs or such also.

Generally here (i see a lot of ACLs in non-athletes and athletes alike) we start exercises immediately post op for static quads, static hams (after 2-4 weeks post op), hip adductor exercises, range of movement and making sure someone can walk normally. the progression then is to proprioceptive and specific strength until return to impact exercises at about 6 months post op or more depending on the individual and graft type, surgeon's protocol etc.

i would suggest you get in to see a sports physio sooner rather than later to get the best results for your knee in the long run.

good luck
msk101