What Should You Do When You Finish Your ACL Rehab?

Congrats on the green light from your surgeon and rehab professional! It's been a rollercoaster of a year hasn't it? Your world got rocked once you torn your ACL...the fear and sadness started to sink in...the surgeon gave you the reassurance you'd be good as new...and your physical therapist showed you how to feel like your old self again...man what a ride!
You just passed all the tests and got your “Return to Sport” badge, huge congrats! We can't wait to see you back on the field. And we can't wait to see you back in the clinic too, so have a great weekend. …..yeaaaaa you read that right. We'll see you back here. Because guess what? Your job ain't over once you get your fancy return to sport card. Although the surgery has a high success rate, reinjury after surgery is a very concern for patients. Studies have shown that the risk of reinjury after ACL surgery ranges from 6% to 30%, depending on the specific sport or activity and the individual's level of participation. It's important for patients to follow their rehabilitation plan and work closely with their healthcare provider to reduce the risk of reinjury and achieve a successful outcome. Fortunately for you the friendly neighborhood PTs here at Feldman PT and Performance know how to minimize your risk and help you stay healthy and confident after your ACLR.
Even after you get back to your activity of choice you still need to focus on strength and movement. If your risk stays elevated for two years then you need to continue to work for two years. Non-negotiable. The more intense the activity the more work it will require on a constant basis. Regardless if your goal is running a straight line or moving in multiple directions you should get comfortable making the strength and agility a priority for the couple of years following RTS. We're thrilled that you made it through your nine month recovery and hopefully it has been uneventful. However our plan is to keep you moving and strengthening as you lace back up. There is a fine line between rehab and performance and like to flirt with that line often in the clinic.
The way we do this is by focusing on single leg strength variations as well and reactive strength for the athlete. If the athlete has to move in multiple planes of motion or directions then we will incorporate these as well. This is particularly important for those who rely on the strength and stability of their knees for performance. Reactive strengthening exercises can help to improve balance and coordination, which can also help to prevent future injuries to either leg. However not all strength work is created equal and it's important to focus on your specific needs as you re-introduce athletics and activity back into your new life post ACLR.
Feldman Physical Therapy & Performance is the premier provider of physical therapy services in the Hudson Valley. With locations in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, and Pawling New York.
Each patient receives a full hour of personalized one-on-one treatment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This means you will save time and money with fewer visits over a shorter period of time, resulting in faster healing and recovery.
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