post-op acl reconstruction HELP!

[sharileedahl]

Hi Haley.
Did you have physiotherapy after your surgery? Usually over course of treatment, you would be working on some sport-specific / return-to-sport type exercises not only to regain strength / balance / function but also to deal with the fear issue (which is not uncommon).
At this point, because you are already in pre-season play and close to your college b-ball season, I would seriously encourage you to have your knee reassessed. I am making an assumption that your team has a physiotherapist or athletic therapist. If so, use them!! If not, ask your coach / manager who to see....they should know. All physiotherapists are qualified to assess and treat you post-ACL repair however I would try to see someone who typically works with athletes and will have a good idea how to push you for return-to-sport. (In the off chance that your are in Alberta, I may be able to give you a contact.)
Other than that, I wouldn't feel great about giving you specific advice re. rehab via this medium as I haven't assessed the stability of the ACL graft, quad / hamstring / glut strength, running / jumping technique etc. etc.

[haley09]

Yes I did have physiotherapy post-op for about 6 months. It seemed to be going well and I was discharged on a home exercise program, but I feel that I've plateaued on my progress. During the basketball games, I try to run but it seems like I'm crawling I'm going so slow. My endurance is not a problem, it's just my knee. Also after reading a few more posts on here, I'm getting a little nervous about the pain in the back of my knee. Last week while I was just shooting around, I jumped and felt a little pop in the back. It scared the heck out of me and it was sore for a few days. Some have said that has happened to them due to the scar tissue breaking up. Is that a good thing?? Is the scar tissue holding me back from really playing my best? I'm not sure what I should do at this point, any suggestions?

p.s. I'm living in Ontario, would you know of any contacts here that train you in a specific sport?

[sharileedahl]

Breaking through scar tissue isn't necessary a bad thing but it's impossible to say exactly what you're dealing with without having a look / feel of your knee.
Again, get in with a PT asap to reassess your knee and progress you on an appropriate, individualized return-to-sport program.
I'm sorry, I don't have contacts in Ontario. Your coach or team manager should though.

Another option is to try the "Find a Physio" link on the Ontario Physiotherapy Association website.
OPA | Public | Find-a-Physio

[haley09]

Hi sharileedahl, I found a specific sport training facility in my area. My initial assessment today showed that my knee was really weak (obviously) and quadriceps and hamstring are also just as weak. He said the pain at the back of knee could possibly be from the muscle trying to compensate for a weaker muscle. My training starts tomorrow and will be 4 days a week. Hopefully I can get fully back into basketball just in time for my season. I wanted to thank you for responding to my post along with your advice. Take care.