Recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery is a long and tedious process. It takes time for pain and swelling to subside and regain your leg’s muscle strength. Rehabilitation measures have evolved significantly over the past decades. The focus has shifted towards functional exercise, which is essential to maximize the results following ACL reconstruction surgery. The early phases of rehabilitation is crucial as it helps avoid any post-surgical complications.
Knee flexion (bending) is an important factor during your recovery post-ACL reconstruction surgery. The normal range for active bending of your knee is 135 degrees. Post your surgery, knee flexion (bending) is restored by stretching and functional exercises. After an ACL surgery, following your physical therapist’s and doctor’s instructions are important for a safe and effective rehabilitation. However, it may not be as easy as it sounds, as your knee will need time to regain its mobility. Following the rehabilitation measures diligently will help you regain your range of motion.
Restoring your knee flexion (bending) post-ACL surgery can be challenging. However, achieving full mobility early in the rehabilitation process is crucially important.
You may need to take it slow during your rehabilitation process as too much, too early, can do more harm. Increased stress on your operated knee can lead to further inflammation and damage. Here are some points to remember as you progress toward recovery:
After an ACL surgery, the recovery period can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the extent of damage to the ACL, age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation measures. Though you cannot expect a drastic change in mobility soon after the surgery, you can gradually regain the range of motion. Let’s understand how you can bend your knees after ACL surgery.
The timelines:
Patellar (kneecap) mobility is essential for knee bending (flexion). After ACL surgery, the knee is painful, swollen, and difficult to move. Scar tissue forms which limit the mobility of the patella (bone present anterior to the knee joint). This is usually seen when a patellar tendon graft is used for ACL reconstruction surgery.
The lack of knee bending after an ACL reconstruction surgery may also be due to pain, swelling, and edema. Pooling of fluids around the surgical site may also limit knee bending. The joint capsule within the knee swells up like a balloon and gradually increases in size, making it harder to bend your knee.
The secret to improving your knee bending with little or no pain depends on various factors. If you are able to follow them, you will ultimately reach your goal to achieve the range of motion in less time with limited to no pain.
After following the above steps, your knee is well prepared and conditioned for the ACL surgery rehabilitation exercises. The exercises mentioned should be approved by your orthopedic surgeon in Bangalore and physical therapist.
Gaining mobility is one of the most important goals of a rehabilitation program. Knee bending (flexion) takes longer than expected, but with proper dedication and effort, you can improve the range of motion of your operated knee. For any assistance with ACL surgery or rehabilitation, our team at Medfin, with highly qualified and skilled surgeons, are here to help you!!!
Disclaimer:
The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/ surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.