Restoring Your ACL
Approximately 250,000 people experience an anterior cruciate ligament rupture per year in the US. Commonly occurring during vigorous sports or certain types of exercise, clinical treatment generally consists of reconstruction surgery. While ACL rupture management differs by country, American surgeons focus on restoring movement via surgical intervention. Before undergoing surgery, many patients benefit from a consistent physical therapy program. Activity such as resistance training, neuromuscular exercise, high-level dynamic functional tasks, and sport-specific training help prepare the ligaments for surgery.

Breaking down the injury
To precisely analyze and determine treatment for an ACL tear, clinicians consult data from patient history, clinical assessment, and imaging. When combined with another injury, anterior cruciate ligament ruptures happen more frequently. While exercise is not strictly required, exercise-based recuperation before an ACL surgery can offer notable benefits. A recent study with participants who completed physical therapy before surgery recovered in 34.2 weeks, compared to 42.5 weeks in the group that did not exercise before surgery. Making time for physical therapy before the procedure helps build up muscle in the impacted leg, maximizing mobility while minimizing the risk of re-injury after surgery.
How physical therapy helps
One study showed consistent movement helps joints recover faster. A damaged ACL often happens during activities with quick stops or immediate direction changes, such as soccer, gymnastics, and rugby. To strengthen the quadriceps muscles, many doctors suggest using the stationary bike or elliptical in the gym. Cardiovascular exercises that strengthen the quads are key to expediting recovery time. Strong and supportive quads create a stable movement for the hip, protecting the joint while developing the muscle.
Knee pushdowns
To ensure the legs have enough support and stability to heal, exercises that target the glutes are vital. For example, knee-push downs help build muscle while improving the leg’s extension abilities. Begin by lying on the floor with a rolled-up towel positioned beneath the ankles. Press the knees toward the floor using the quads, hold for 5 seconds and repeat 20 times.
Above all else, consistency
With over 250,000 anterior cruciate ligament ruptures repaired each year, ACL surgery is generally commonplace and routine. Some physicians suggest preparing for the procedure with a comprehensive physical therapy routine to get back to daily life as quickly as possible after surgery. Gentle movements such as the elliptical or knee pushdowns help strengthen muscles while limiting the chance of re-injury after the procedure. Restoring stability and function to the ankle takes time, but physical therapy can shorten the road to recovery.
Minimally Invasive, Maximum Results: Robotic Surgery For Joint Replacement
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-06-06T19:38:11-05:00May 30th, 2025|
Robotic surgery is making waves in the realm of joint replacement. Get minimally invasive surgery that provides maximum results.
Primal Squats & Tight Hips: Should You Talk To Ortho About Lack Of Flexibility?
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-06-06T19:38:18-05:00May 15th, 2025|
Struggling with tight hips and limited squat mobility? Discover how primal squats reveal flexibility issues and how an orthopedic specialist can help.
Healthy Feet, Happy Life: Podiatry Surgeries To Improve Your Well-being
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-04-29T12:19:56-05:00April 30th, 2025|
Improving foot health is essential to movement without pain and enjoying everyday activities. Learn the simple but effective podiatry surgeries to relieve long-standing conditions.
More Articles from MVSC
May 15, 2025
Struggling with tight hips and limited squat mobility? Discover how primal squats reveal flexibility issues and how an orthopedic specialist can help.
February 27, 2025
Orthopedic care is essential for active aging. Learn how to maintain mobility and independence at later ages, using medical procedures as needed.
February 13, 2025
Spine health is critical and the foundation of a healthy body. Learn when severe spine conditions may benefit from minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery.
January 15, 2025
ACL tears can leave athletes on the sidelines for multiple months. Learn a comprehensive plan to prevent, treat, and recover effectively from this knee injury.