The document discusses the role of physical therapy in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which can occur from activities like basketball and soccer. It explains how therapy can aid both post-surgical rehabilitation and potentially help some patients avoid surgery altogether by strengthening knee-supporting muscles. The therapy's length and intensity can vary based on injury severity and patient adherence to the program.

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ACL Injuries: How Physical Therapy Can Help
Although it’s the smallest of the
four main knee ligaments, the
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
has an important job. It
connects the thighbone to the
shinbone at the center of the
knee and keeps the leg stable
while the rest of the body
moves. An ACL sprain or tear
occurs when these two bones
manage to rotate too far in
opposing directions or the knee
bends the wrong way. Both a
sensation that the leg is buckling
with each step and outright pain
are common.
Activities like basketball, football, skiing, and soccer carry high risk factors
for these injuries. Seniors are also at an elevated risk.
The objective of physical therapy is reducing symptoms while boosting
flexibility and strength. Continued exercise customized for each patient
helps maintain the ability to do activities that caused pain or that were
difficult. Physical therapy can help patients with ACL injuries in two ways.
Therapy After Surgery
Rehabilitation is necessary for patients who have surgery to repair an ACL
injury. The type and length of the physical therapy required depends on the
severity of the injury, how extensive the surgical repair was, and how
consistently patients follow a physical therapy program.
Post-surgical therapy includes exercises for flexibility, strengthening, and
endurance. For athletes, it adds training to increase coordination and agility.
Other Rehabilitation

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Sometimes patients are able to avoid or postpone surgery for an ACL tear by
completing physical therapy. Successful therapy strengthens the muscles
that in lie in the front and back of the thigh and that support the knee.
For Some people, particularly the elderly, physical therapy provides enough
stability to resume normal activities and avoid surgery. This generally takes
four to six months. Others who have poorer results either decide to give up
their athletic activities or schedule a surgical repair.
Physical therapists closely supervise patients with ACL injuries to make sure
that all the exercises selected are part of the correct progression. Periodic
visits to the physician who made the referral for therapy might be necessary
to clarify questions about the intensity and length of the program.
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