ACL Tears
What Are ACL Tears?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial stabilizer of the knee joint, providing support during dynamic activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting. ACL tears, a common injury among athletes, occur when this ligament is stretched beyond its limits or completely ruptured. These injuries are often caused by sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct trauma to the knee. Proper treatment and rehabilitation are essential to regain full function and return to sports safely.
Common Signs and Symptoms of ACL Tears:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Immediate swelling around the knee joint
- Instability or buckling of the knee during movement
- Severe pain, especially during weight-bearing activities
- Limited range of motion in the knee
Common Causes of ACL Tears:
Quick pivots or abrupt changes in direction during sports like soccer, basketball, and football.
Improper landing techniques can place undue stress on the ACL.
Collisions or tackles that force the knee into unnatural positions.
Weakness in the quadriceps or hamstrings can increase the risk of ACL injury.
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Comprehensive Treatment Approach for ACL Tears
At ActiveCare Physiotherapy & Rehab, we specialize in treating ACL tears with athlete-focused, evidence-based methods to restore function, strength, and confidence.
- Physiotherapy
- Massage Therapy
- Chiropractic Care
- Acupuncture
- Custom Orthotics
- Education and Injury Prevention Strategies
Physiotherapy forms the cornerstone of ACL tear recovery, addressing pain management, strength restoration, and functional mobility.
- Acute Phase:
- Use of modalities such as cold therapy and electrical stimulation to reduce swelling and pain.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Strength and Conditioning:
- Progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles.
- Dynamic stability exercises to enhance knee joint support and balance.
- Sports-Specific Training:
- Incorporates drills mimicking athletic movements to prepare for a return to sports.
- Focus on agility, speed, and controlled landings to prevent reinjury.
Massage therapy accelerates recovery by targeting specific muscle groups affected by ACL injuries.
- Muscle Relaxation:
- Relieves tension in surrounding muscles like the hamstrings and calves, which may compensate during recovery.
- Scar Tissue Management:
- Reduces adhesions post-surgery or post-injury, improving flexibility and mobility.
- Circulation Boost:
- Enhances blood flow to the knee joint, promoting faster tissue repair.
Chiropractic care supports knee rehabilitation by optimizing alignment and joint function.
- Knee Joint Mobilization:
- Restores natural knee mechanics, improving range of motion and reducing stiffness.
- Spinal and Pelvic Adjustments:
- Addresses compensatory issues that may develop due to altered gait patterns.
- Functional Movement Screening:
- Identifies biomechanical weaknesses to tailor rehabilitation exercises.
Acupuncture is an excellent adjunct therapy for pain management and recovery post-ACL tear.
- Pain Relief:
- Stimulates the release of endorphins to reduce discomfort in the knee area.
- Inflammation Reduction:
- Promotes healing by improving blood flow and reducing swelling.
- Muscle Relaxation:
- Relieves tension in surrounding muscles, aiding in balanced recovery.
Custom orthotics provide support and stability to athletes during the recovery and reintegration phases.
- Knee Stability:
- Offers additional support for weakened knee joints during weight-bearing activities.
- Biomechanical Corrections:
- Aligns the lower extremities to reduce stress on the ACL and prevent future injuries.
- Enhanced Performance:
- Improves gait patterns, essential for returning to sports confidently.
Empowering athletes with knowledge ensures long-term success and minimizes reinjury risks.
- Technique Refinement:
- Guidance on safe pivoting, jumping, and landing mechanics to reduce ACL stress.
- Strengthening Programs:
- Home exercises to maintain muscle strength and joint stability.
- Bracing and Support:
- Recommendations for knee braces during high-intensity sports to protect the ACL.
By combining these services, we create an individualized treatment plan that works for you, ensuring you get back to doing what you love without pain.