An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can be a devastating injury, especially for athletes and active individuals.
ACL reconstruction surgery is often the best option for restoring knee stability and function, whether your injury occurred on the field, on the court, or during an everyday activity.
Our team at FXRX in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona, led by award-winning orthopedic surgeon and well-known knee specialist Dr. Sumit Dewanjee, wants you to be healthy and moving without pain or joint dysfunction.
We’re happy to take a closer look at why an ACL injury can take months to heal and the role of rehab in getting back in the game.
The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). It’s a band-like structure of connective tissue and a crucial component of the knee joint.
The ligament provides joint stability by preventing the shinbone from moving too far forward or rotating out of place when you stand, walk, run, or jump.
Unfortunately, ACL injuries (tears) are common due to the high demands placed on the ligament, especially during sports or other activities that require sudden stops, starts, and changes in direction. Injuries can also happen when you fall or collide with another player.
An ACL tear won’t heal without surgery, but you may be able to live with a mild sprain. Treatments like rest, bracing, and activity modification can reduce pain and swelling.
But most ACL injuries are moderate to severe and require surgical repair if you want to continue with sports or a physically active life.
Tissues in your body rely on oxygen and other nutrients delivered via blood vessels to heal. Ligaments have very limited vascularization (blood supply), making it impossible for the ACL to heal without a surgical assist. Thus, most people opt for surgical repair.
Dr. Dewanjee uses advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques that offer the best and speediest opportunity for a full recovery. Patients benefit greatly from his skill and expertise in sports medicine.
He also develops an after-surgery rehab plan tailored to your needs and designed to get you back in the game as quickly as possible. Even then, it can take six to nine months to return to full activity after an ACL repair.
After ACL surgery, typically an outpatient procedure, Dr. Dewanjee initially focuses on pain management, reducing swelling, and regaining knee mobility.
Most patients use crutches and a knee brace for the first few weeks. Physical therapy begins quickly, starting with gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness. Goals in the early weeks may include achieving full knee extension (straightening the leg completely).
Once initial healing takes place, strengthening exercises become a priority, typically targeting muscle groups that support the knees and spinal/hip alignment, including:
Once you’ve progressed through the initial phase (3-6 months), we gradually reintroduce more dynamic activities and sports-specific drills such as pivoting, cutting, or lateral movements.
Dr. Dewanjee works closely with your physical therapist or trainer to guide your return to sports, ensuring your knee can handle the load without compromising stability.
Following directions carefully during this time is crucial, including the home workouts designed to support your formal physical therapy sessions.
Goals to reach before you return to sports or full activity include full knee strength, mobility, and stability with pain-free movement.
During ACL repair recovery, we recommend you stay patient, trust the process, and celebrate small victories. Your comeback story is just beginning!
For expert guidance and treatment regarding your orthopedic needs, schedule an evaluation at FXRX today. Call our Phoenix or Tempe, Arizona, office or request an appointment online.
