What Do The Statistics Say?
A recent study examined 201 articles analyzing the average length of recovery period after ACL surgery. The study found that on average, patients who had ACL surgery were able to return to running in 12 weeks (Rambaud, 2018). However, just because they began running, does not mean they were cleared to return to sport.
Time vs Performance
Time alone will not dictate how soon you can return to running. Performance based tests play a significant role in the decision of returning to running and eventually the return to sport activities. These performance tests include single hop, 3 hop, isometric testing, balance testing, appropriate range of motion and more. This is often done by comparing measures from the impaired leg to the non impaired leg.
What Will The Recovery Timeline Look Like?
After the completion of ACL surgery, your doctor will write you a referral for physical therapy. In the immediate first few weeks (0-4), we will work on reducing swelling in the knee, improving knee range of motion, activating the surrounding muscles, and walking. After allowing appropriate time for the graft to heal (weeks 4-10), exercise will pick up to maximize range of motion, improve leg strength, and balance. Continuing into the next phase (weeks 10-16) therapy session will focus on improving strength, endurance, and introducing running. Entering the last phase (months 4-6), more sport specific drills will be included to get you ready to return to your activities.
What is The Next Step?
If you had surgery on your ACL or are going to have surgery on your ACL, contact the Respire PT Team today by phone at 703-671-1871 or click here to request an appointment with a Physical Therapist. Let us help you get back to your favorite activities through a safe, graded exercise program.
References
- Rambaud AJM, Ardern CL, Thoreux P, et al Criteria for return to running after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018;52:1437-1444.
Tags: health blog, physical therapist, post operative care, ACL, return to sport, pt education, acl reconstruction, choosept, evidence based research, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva, ptworks, Physical Therapy, painfreeliving, Respire Physical Therapy
