PRE-OP REHAB FOR ACL TEARS

ACL rehab doesn’t just start after surgery.

Pre-op physiotherapy (getting the knee as strong as possible before surgery) is extremely valuable when it comes to ACL rehabilitation, and there is plenty of evidence to back this.

*Higher self-reported knee function pre-op leads to significantly better outcomes 3-6 years post surgery (Mansson et al., 2013).

*5 weeks of intensive pre-op strengthening results in superior outcomes at 2 years post surgery than ‘usual pre-op care’ (Grindem et al., 2015).

*10 weeks of neuromuscular training pre-op results in significantly better self-reported function post-surgery as well as higher level of return to pre-injury sport compared to those who don’t complete pre-op training (Faila et al., 2016).

Scientific literature is one thing, and real world practice is another. Time and time again in the clinic we see those who completed pre-op physiotherapy do much better post-surgery than those who don’t. Benefits seen include less pain & stiffness post-surgery, faster strength gains, faster return to sport and less complications down the track.

Chris Bryceson

B. Health Sciences (Physio), APAM

CB Physiotherapy