Physical Therapy after an ACL Tear

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament. Most ACL injuries occur during certain sports such as soccer, football, skiing, tennis and basketball. You can injure your ACL while suddenly stopping while running, landing awkwardly from a jump, shifting your weight from one leg to the other, stretching your knee further than its usual range of motion or experiencing a direct hit to the knee, such as a car accident (MVA).

Signs and symptoms of a torn ACL may include:

• Severe pain
• Instability to continue activities
• Swelling
• Loss of range of motion
• Reduced function
• A loud “popping” sensation in your knee 

You are at a higher risk of an ACL tear if you play certain sports, wear footwear that doesn't fit properly, use poorly maintained sports equipment, and have poor conditioning. The R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method can help if you experience trauma to your ACL to reduce swelling and pain. R.I.C.E is a simple self care technique to use if the injury is fresh. If the swelling or pain gets worse or doesn’t go away, see your doctor. 

Once your ACL tear has been diagnosed, you will work with a surgeon and physical therapist to see what treatment is best for you. Your physical therapy initial evaluation after an ACL tear may include:

• Analysis of gait
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Swelling
• Balance assessment
• Mobility assessment

Your physical therapist will come up with a treatment plan that will help restore your muscle strength, balance and range of motion. If surgery is recommended, physical therapy can help you before and after the procedure. 

Reddy Care’s physical therapists and occupational therapists can help rebuild strength and flexibility in the muscles as well as restore range of motion to the knee. Your treatment plan may include electrical stimulation, manual therapy, stretching exercises, strengthening, swelling management, balance and gait training, and heat and ice application. 

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021   Tel. (516) 829-0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367-1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243-0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480 *coming soon*

Sources: ChoosePT  Mayo Clinic

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.