ACL Injuries? Not Getting Better?
A torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the most disruptive lower limb injury an athlete can experience. At the professional level, it can cost an athlete anywhere from 6-12 months competition and training time.
In my career, I’ve rehabilitated many ACL’s including some high profile one’s like these below:
-
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK
-
ALISHA TATHAM
-
CAMERON MCINNES
-
CAMERON BOOTH
-
JEFF LYNCH
-
SHAUN FENSOM
-
JUNIOR PAUGA
-
THOMAS LEULUAI
-
BEN HENRY
-
SIONE LAUSI
So I’ve Torn My ACL, Now What?
In case you have not already, the first thing to do would be to see your GP or physio to get an MRI to confirm the ACL is completely torn and to see if there is any other damage to your knee.
If you have done this, then you have an important question to ask yourself:
Do I Need To Have Surgery?
Not necessarily. If you answer YES to the next few questions then it is likely surgery is the better option and you should see a knee surgeon to discuss surgery further.
- Was This a non contact injury? Did you just try and turn quickly and your knee gave out?
- Are you trying to get back to a high level sport that involves plenty of pivoting and quick turns?
- Are you relatively young? Are you a teenager or someone in their 20’s or early 30’s?
If you answered YES to these questions it is a good idea to also get the advice of a good knee surgeon to see if this is your best option.
If you answered YES to the following questions then a non surgery rehabilitation may be the best option for you.
- Was the injury based on a collision?
- Do you have NO intention to get back to a high level sport?
- Are you in your late 30’s or older?