If you are an athlete, you have probably already heard about anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. This ligament is located in the knee and is frequently injured in sports. Our client, Melanie, tore this ligament in a fall while skiing. Her doctor referred her to a physiotherapist as the most appropriate health professional to help Melanie recover from this injury and return to her sport. So how will physiotherapy help Melanie?
Whether you are a good candidate for surgery like Melanie, or the doctor prefers a conservative approach with exercises, physiotherapy will be your ally on the road to recovery. Here we explain how we treated Melanie’s injury in physiotherapy: her symptoms, her progression, her challenges and her recovery.
How do you injure the anterior cruciate ligament?
Each year, many people injure their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
ACL injuries occur in both amateur and competitive sport.
Indeed, the ACL is one of four ligaments that provide stability of the knee and is sensitive to the torsion movement of the leg.
Exceeding the limit of the ligament’s maximum tension is what caused it to tear. Like Melanie, patients come to physiotherapy because they want to make sure they can return to their favourite sport as soon as possible. Most patients treated in physiotherapy for ACL tears are injured in sports that requirestop-and-go movements: tennis, squash, soccer, football, handball or basketball. ACL tears are also common in skiing, as in Melanie’s case.
“By consulting a physiotherapist, Melanie has maximized her chances of avoiding the recurrence of her symptoms by returning to sport too quickly or even worse the secondary rupture, that is, the ligament tearing again. You need to know the right steps to folllow and the best exercises to ensure a safe return to sport.”
Symptoms and diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury
Each year, many people injure their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
ACL injuries occur in both amateur and competitive sport.
Indeed, the ACL is one of four ligaments that provide stability of the knee and is sensitive to the torsion movement of the leg.
Exceeding the limit of the ligament’s maximum tension is what caused it to tear. Like Melanie, patients come to physiotherapy because they want to make sure they can return to their favourite sport as soon as possible. Most patients treated in physiotherapy for ACL tears are injured in sports that requirestop-and-go movements: tennis, squash, soccer, football, handball or basketball. ACL tears are also common in skiing, as in Melanie’s case.
“By consulting a physiotherapist, Melanie has maximized her chances of avoiding the recurrence of her symptoms by returning to sport too quickly or even worse the secondary rupture, that is, the ligament tearing again. You need to know the right steps to folllow and the best exercises to ensure a safe return to sport.”
In most cases, this injury has the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Colour change
- Decreased mobility
- Instability while walking
- Pain
Visiting the doctor allowed Melanie to receive a diagnosis of her injury as well as an appropriate treatment. An MRI was used to verify the integrity of the ligaments and confirm her diagnosis. In Melanie’s case, surgery was the best way to heal her tear and, combined with physiotherapy, we ensured her successful recovery.
Restore mobility and flexibility and control pain with physiotherapy
“Untreated ACL tears can lead to significant degenerative knee damage. Whether you are a good candidate for surgery like Melanie or the doctor prefers a conservative approach with exercises, the physiotherapist will be your best ally.”
We will begin with treatments to restore mobility and flexibility and to control pain. We will also prepare an exercise program tailored to the patient’s situation that will help them continue their rehabilitation at home.
Once goals are achieved, patients begin a strengthening program with exercises that focus on the deficits noted by the physiotherapist. Treatments also improve endurance, stability and motor control.
The final step is to review the patients’ goals around returning to sport or work. It is then easier to guide treatment and exercises to achieve the patients’ goals.
“For Melanie, the goal was to start walking and snowshoeing for the coming winter and then downhill skiing towards the end of the season. “ »
The physiotherapist made sure to give her functional tests to determine if she was ready to resume her activities. Specific exercises including single leg control and jump landings were included in the program.
Benefits of rehabilitation with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a crucial step in rehabilitation following an ACL tear. It helps greatly to reduce pain and improve physical abilities. It also provides guidance to ensure that rehabilitation goes smoothly.
“Any premature return to activities can lead to a new sprain.”
What is my role as a physiotherapy patient in avoiding a second rupture?
For Melanie and many other patients, following the exercise program and the recommended progression resulted in a successful recovery. Patients are anxious to return to their sport and we understand that, but to ensure optimal healing and avoid a second injury, you need to follow your physiotherapist’s advices.
Physiotherapy: before or after surgery?
If reconstruction surgery is planned, it is recommended that you start physiotherapy sessions before the operation to strengthen and prepare the knee. Following surgery, you will have regular follow-ups with your physiotherapist to ensure that you are receiving treatment to help you achieve your goals or return to sport.
So keep in mind that if you injure your knee, whether it’s the ACL, another ligament or the menisci, you should see a physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist has as much fun as his or her patients in guiding them through rehabilitation and seeing them progress.
Share this article
Vincent has a master’s degree in physiotherapy from the University of Montreal. Vincent brings his knowledge of skiing as an instructor for the Quebec Foundation for the Blind since 2014. He also works as a lifeguard for Patro le Prévost, one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Quebec.
Do you have muscle pain?
Make an appointment now and treat yourself
in one of our CMI Clinics
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest health tips from our therapists.
