Partial tears. Strains. Complete tears. There are multiple types of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries that you can get from working or playing sports.
ACL injuries are a common type of knee injury in the U.S. Medical researchers report that approximately 200,000 Americans develop an ACL injury annually. Many injuries to the ACL can heal without surgery. But some ACL injuries, especially complete tears, can require surgery to repair the damage. In either case, ACL injury treatment from a physical therapist can be very beneficial for you.
What causes you to need a treatment plan for ACL injuries?
There are typically two specific factors that cause people to develop an ACL injury. One of the ways that you can damage your ACL is to suddenly change your direction. The sudden directional change puts much more stress on the ligament, and this can cause it to overstretch or tear.
A second factor that can lead to ACL damage is when you come to a sudden stop. Like sudden changes of direction, sudden stops place added strain on the ACL. In turn, the additional strain on the ligament can lead to a tear or strain.
What techniques are used in physical therapy-based ACL injury treatment?
Athletes commonly expose themselves to both of these risks of ACL damage on a regular basis. However, physical labor and even just walking around can also increase your risk of an ACL injury. Fortunately, physical therapists are ready to assist you get effective treatment for your ACL injuries.
Your recovery plan will include multiple therapy techniques, and a few of the techniques that could be used in your plan are:
- Strengthening exercises for your ACL and its support structures
- Running training intended to improve your gait and reduce knee strain
- Manual therapy to break up scar tissue as your injury heals
- Aquatic therapy that can increase joint mobility with less stress on your injured knee
- Post-surgical rehab designed to decrease your recovery time after surgery
With these and other techniques included in your recovery plan, your physical therapist can help you recover your top form. Just as important, they can help you guard against a repeat ACL injury.
Have an ACL injury that needs treatment? Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help
You shouldn’t have to settle when it comes to ACL injury treatment. At Excel Sports & Physical Therapy, our team is committed to helping you find the most effective treatment for your injury. We offer free screenings designed to reveal how your ACL injury is affecting you. Our physical therapists also excel at constructing personalized recovery plans intended to reduce pain and decrease the risk of future injuries.
Want to get effective therapy without leaving your home? No problem! Our team offers virtual care and at-home therapy services, both specifically intended to help you get high-quality therapy from home.
Ready to start getting our help with your ACL injury? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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