Return To Sport After ACL Surgery

Hi

I'm 22 years old and 9 months removed from an ACL Reconstruction, tonight is going to be my first time back to training for football (soccer) but I'm concerned because I still get persistent niggling pains in the surgically repaired knee, particularly to the left of the patella.
Is it worth looking into strapping techniques or a knee brace to help return to physical activity on a more regular basis (I have been doing activity for months but have been somewhat limited in it).

Are there any tips anyone can provide to work through and get back to a level I played at before (or even close to that level would be nice :p)

Thanks

You do not mention you have done any specific rehabilitation after surgery like Stabilization / coordination and strength training. In case you haven't done this on a regular basis (at least 3-4 sessions a week for 3 months) You'll take a big risk jumping straight back into football.

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Originally Posted by neurospast

You do not mention you have done any specific rehabilitation after surgery like Stabilization / coordination and strength training. In case you haven't done this on a regular basis (at least 3-4 sessions a week for 3 months) You'll take a big risk jumping straight back into football.

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I did 3 months intense post surgery rehab before I moved across the country and then continued on with the exercises to build up strength and stability myself- I just still have issues with niggling pain in one spot during and after physical activity (like if I go for a run etc etc)

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Originally Posted by Angelfiction

I did 3 months intense post surgery rehab before I moved across the country and then continued on with the exercises to build up strength and stability myself- I just still have issues with niggling pain in one spot during and after physical activity (like if I go for a run etc etc)

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Sport taping is a good choice, as well as bracing. Wearing the appropriate shoes and returning to sport must be progressively, at your own pace. How strong is your pain on a scale 1-10 ( 10 being the worst pain possible)?
Have you been doing functional exercises in your home exercise program?

The pain is probably only a 5 or a 6, not overly severe but enough to be noticeable and a little bit distracting when I'm trying to do normal kind of exercise. I still do a lot of muscle building work because I had severe atrophy after the surgery but I am trying to progress to a point where I can start to play sport (gradually)...

Because I'm getting back into soccer (small amount at a time) would there be any difference between what taping will do to help versus what a brace would do

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Angelfiction

The pain is probably only a 5 or a 6, not overly severe but enough to be noticeable and a little bit distracting when I'm trying to do normal kind of exercise. I still do a lot of muscle building work because I had severe atrophy after the surgery but I am trying to progress to a point where I can start to play sport (gradually)...

Because I'm getting back into soccer (small amount at a time) would there be any difference between what taping will do to help versus what a brace would do

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Both are indicated to offer you a better knee stability and prevent injury. If you learn the proper taping techniques for knee stability, you can use this method, if not the brace with be a more simple choice.