Despite advancements in medical and surgical procedures, many athletes find it difficult to return to sports after an ACL reconstruction, which is the anterior cruciate ligament located in the knee. Less than 50% of the athletes can regain their pre-injury level of performance. And for people who have returned to their sport, relapse of the injury always remains a cause of concern.
The incidence of an injuring occurring again in the first two years following reconstruction is predicted to be 6 times greater than those who didn’t suffer from a knee injury. A higher percentage is observed in female athletes where the risk of re-injury can be for as long as 5 years.
Re-injury risk factors
Risk factors of primary and secondary ACL injuries have been investigated widely by many experts. Several biomechanical factors such as abnormal weight distribution around the knee, increased external knee abduction moment in females, side-to-side differences in lower extremities, frontal plane of the trunk, etc. have all been associated with knee re-injury and therefore chances of an ACL injury are more than doubled.
Prevention of re-injury
Re-injury and the need to undergo another ACL-reconstruction places the knee joint under severe complications of developing OA, instability of the knee, and difficulty in returning to sport. A number of athletes undergo a second revision within 6 years of the primary ACL surgery. So it is important to understand the risk factors associated with re-injury and is equally important to target all deficiencies during rehabilitation.
Role of physiotherapy in rehabilitation
Physiotherapy after knee surgery plays an important role in a rehabilitation program of an ACL re-injury. A physical therapist can help to detect causes if the recovery is delayed. They help you understand the extent of the injury, put forth a recovery plan, and guide you all along the path to recovery. They might also look at your musculoskeletal structure and understand how your body distributes weight down your legs and ankle. Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to be done at home which will help improve your strength and stability. These will be an important part of your long-term recovery during a knee re-injury and might help you a long way in rehabilitation and return to sport.
Using of knee braces also help athletes in their path to recovery. Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee. Custom knee braces therapy is used by athletes to prevent knee injuries during sports. Braces are made from a combination of metals, foam, plastic, elastic material, and straps.
How we can help
Physiotherapists at Care2Cure physiotherapy center are trained to help you in exercises that would strengthen the muscles and joints, and help you achieve balance in the body. They also provide custom knee braces therapy which involves fitting of braces to your knee to help you find the right support and protection for your knee. They are light-weight and allow you to stay active without feeling the weight. They will ensure the complete overall well-being of the athlete and help restore normal movement of the knee at the same time ensuring that there is no recurrence of pain. Care2Cure Rehab Centre is one of the best providers of physiotherapy services, massage therapy, acupuncture services, taping, strapping, vestibular rehabilitation, etc. We provide the best custom knee braces Ottawa has seen in some time.
