With nearly 30 years experience in the physiotherapy industry, Scott Thornton is no stranger to ACL rehabilitation. Here are his 5 top tips for a successful outcome post an ACL surgery;
1. Don’t Overlook the Importance of Prehab
Before undergoing ACL surgery, don’t skip the opportunity to focus on prehabilitation (prehab). Strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving joint mobility and addressing any existing imbalances before surgery can significantly enhance your post-op recovery.
2. Don’t Use Time as the ONLY indicator of Readiness to Run
The decision to return to running should be based primarily on performance milestones and clearance from your treating team (physiotherapist and surgeon), rather than a set timeline. Returning to running or sport prematurely can delay your recovery by compromising the newly reconstructed ACL.
3. Don’t Neglect Core, Hip and Upper Body Strengthening
Yes, the knee is the star of the show but failure to strengthen the rest of your body can lead increased injury risk and delayed return to sport.
4. Don’t Skip the Early Rehab Exercises
It’s natural to want to protect your knee, but stiffness can set in quickly if you don’t actively work on regaining full range of motion. Early exercises focused on gentle bending and straightening are key to preventing long-term mobility issues.
5. Don’t Compare Your Progress to Others
Recovery from ACL surgery is unique to each individual. Everyone’s healing timeline is different, and factors like age, fitness level and the extent of the injury can all affect recovery speed. Focus on your own journey and celebrate the small milestones along the way.