A Harlem Specialist Provides a Timeline for Physical Therapy After ACL Surgery
Runners, basketball players, and other athletes are at risk of damaging the ligaments in their knees. ACL surgery can repair these ligaments, and after the procedure, patients will need to undergo physical therapy at Park North Physical Therapy in Harlem before they can return to sports. A specialist explains the timeline for full recovery below.
What Is ACL Surgery, and Why Do Doctors Perform It?
ACL surgery, or ACL reconstruction, fixes injured ligaments in the knee. A Harlem, NY, doctor removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a graft, which serves as a tendon.
Most people who undergo ACL surgery will recover with few to no complications. Physical therapy in Harlem helps with graft healing and expedites the recovery process.
How long is physical therapy after ACL surgery? On average, most people will need physical therapy for six to 12 months.
Prehabilitation Exercises
Doctors may recommend physical therapy before ACL surgery. If one’s doctor thinks physical therapy might be beneficial, a physical therapist will suggest exercises to improve hip stability, strengthen hamstrings, and reduce swelling in the knee. Such exercises may include:
- Hip circles
- Single leg stands
- Heel dig bridges
Recovery Timeline for Physical Therapy in Harlem, NY
After surgery, a physical therapist will create an exercise plan uniquely suited to the patient. Some people may need more recovery time, others less. Here’s what patients can expect at each stage of the healing process:
- About one to two weeks after surgery, a physical therapist will have the patient try gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- After three to six weeks, the physical therapist may add endurance and strengthening exercises.
- Approximately one to three months post-op, the physical therapist will work with the patient on making a plan to return to sport.
- After four to six months, many patients are nearly ready to return to sport. Others will need up to a year to reach this point.
Post-Operative Care Guidance
Doctors and physical therapists in Harlem, NY may recommend post-operative care such as:
- Resting the knee if patients experience pain
- Applying ice for swelling control
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking good care of the surgical area
- Avoiding exercises that are too advanced for one’s stage of recovery
Specialist Offers Quality Physical Therapy in Harlem, NY
A speedy return to sport is possible with help from Park North Physical Therapy. Established in 2008, this Harlem specialist team can answer questions such as “How long is physical therapy after ACL surgery?” and help patients plan for recovery.
Call (212) 222-6525 for answers to further questions or to schedule an appointment today.
