Physical Therapy and ACL Injuries!

Check out this short video to see what a full ACL journey at Iron can look like…

Although ACL surgery is minimally invasive, it has one of the longest recovery times of all orthopedic surgery. Even though that may sound intimidating, we’re here every step of the way from rehab before surgery to finishing PT stronger than ever!

Physical Therapy Before Surgery (Prehab)

Pre-habilitation is for patients who want to set themselves up for the best possible surgical ACL recovery. Prehab has been shown to increase outcomes, shorten hospital stays, and help patients regain strength faster. Here are a few specific ways your physical therapist will help you prepare for successful surgery. Your DPT will…

  • Paint a picture of what you can expect from your surgery so you’re mentally prepared

  • Prepare individualized flexibility and strengthening exercises to condition your body before surgery

  • Outline precautions and a plan for after surgery

  • Provide instruction on the use of assistance devices such as a crutches, brace, etc.

  • Recommend home adaptations that will improve safety and help your recovery

Physical Therapy After Surgery

After you are discharged from the hospital, continuation of outpatient physical therapy is essential to restore your function to its highest possible level. Your surgeon and physical therapist will work as a team to ensure your successful recovery. Your physical therapist will work with you on the following areas:

Range-of-Motion Exercises. Your physical therapist will teach you safe and effective exercises to restore movement (range of motion), so that you can perform your daily activities.

Strengthening Exercises. As your mobility returns, you’ll be guided through a customized strengthening program. Your DPT will aslo add agility exercises (such as turning and changing direction or making quick stops and starts).

Functional Training. Your PT will help you regain everyday movements, such as walking and taking stairs

Sport-Specific and Job Training. Your physical therapist will design a personalized program so you can go back to your specific sport, job tasks or leisure activities without pain. The timeline will vary from person-to-person based on your specific condition.

Patient Success Stories

“Physical therapy has made me feel better about myself and made me feel like I can overcome any obstacle. It has also made my knee feel so much better after ACL surgery! I never expected it to improve so quickly.”

- Carly,

“I started PT before ACL surgery and continued post surgery. I tell my family that my PT appointments are the most important three hours of my week. I think PT is the one thing that helps me believe I can actually get back to the activities I love doing. The DPT teaches you techniques and gives you confidence that you’re gonna be okay. “

-Liz, Runner

“Once my ACL surgery date was set, I spent every day leading up to it pre-habbing like crazy. I did everything I could to make my legs, arms and core as strong as possible. I think that discipline really helped my recovery. However, the biggest lesson I'm learning in physical therapy is probably patience. I'm still not great at it, but I've gotten way better. It's a long, slow, repetitive recovery and the last thing I want to do is re-injure myself.”

-Callie

Next Steps to start your journey with Iron Physical Therapy…

Give us a call or click here to send us a message! Our staff will be happy to speak with you more about possible treatment and answer any questions you may.

Caldwell, New Jersey: (973) 228-4766

Midland Park, New Jersey: (201) 857-8899