Unfortunately, ACL injuries are one of the most popular that we see come into the clinic.
This is due to the fact that they are commonly sustained by young athletes who compete in popular sports such as:
– Football
– Netball
– Basketball
– Gymnastics and more.
How & why do ACL Injuries occur?
An ACL injury is usually sustained without contact, and occurs when sharp, sudden movements such as landing from a jump, pivoting or cutting are performed. These types of manoeuvres are frequently needed in the above-mentioned sports. So, you can see the connection here.
Why surgery?
Although there are several routes an ACL sufferer can take in regards to treatment of their injury, surgery is almost always needed if the injured person would like to resume their chosen sport and perform at a similar, previous level.
Over the years, many high-profile sport starts have had their career halted due to an ACL injury, and in some cases, have been completely ruled out. So, it’s very important to make decisions in regards to returning to play and managing your recovery expectations.
Rehabilitation is key
If you find that surgery is for you, post-operative ACL rehabilitation is key to a quicker and more successful recovery, although this certainly doesn’t mean that it’s an easy road. With ongoing guidance and support from a highly experienced sport physiotherapist, your chances of a successful recovery are much greater as opposed to neglecting your rehabilitation options.
What’s involved with rehabilitation?
Beginning physiotherapy on your operated knee is recommended almost immediately. Usually after your surgery, as you are discharged you are given exercises to complete at home within the first few days. After that, it’s recommended that you immediately begin a customised rehabilitation plan with your sports physiotherapist.
Although everyone’s rehabilitation program is different, generally speaking, you can expect to undertake a few sessions per week for the first 6 weeks after surgery & then decrease your number of visits after that. ACL rehabilitation usually takes anywhere from 6-12 months. Post ACL surgery rehabilitation focuses on gaining and restoring the knee’s full motion as well as the strength and endurance of your knee. The important return of balance and agility is also a primary focus of any rehabilitation program.
Talk to our experienced team if you have any questions
At Progressive Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, our highly experienced team of physiotherapists have rehabilitated many athletes successfully after undergoing ACL surgery. We offer the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals after your surgery.
If you would like further information about our customised rehabilitation programs, please feel free to contact the clinic today by calling (02) 4721 7798 or by emailing info@progressiverehab.com.au
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.