When a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee leaves you with constant pain and unable to enjoy your normal physical activities, you need ACL surgery. Your doctor did a great job diagnosing your condition and explaining the surgery to fix your ACL. However, you have questions about your recovery. Can you ride a bike with a torn ACL? Can you ski after ACL surgery? What about hiking after ACL surgery? You’re an active person and want to focus on your recovery so you get back out there. Here’s what you need to know.
The Recovery Process
There are three types of ACL surgery: reconstruction, restoration, and repair. The type of surgery you receive depends on the damage to your ACL and what needs to be done to fix it. Of course, the type of surgery you have affects the recovery process.
In the first few days after ACL surgery, you’ll need to use a brace or crutches. Your doctor may recommend that you stay off your feet as much as possible to allow the healing to begin. You may experience pain and swelling. As with any surgery, there is always the chance of an infection.
As you heal from the surgery, your doctor will almost always recommend physical therapy and rehabilitation. You need to build the muscles back up in your legs and relearn how to use your ACL in such a way that you don’t cause future damage.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
You’re going to need physical therapy, so there is biking and skiing after ACL surgery. There are three phases of physical therapy after ACL surgery. In the early phase or the first few weeks after surgery, physical therapy is used to manage swelling and pain. It’s always helpful in building muscle and increasing the range of motion.
During the middle phase, your physical therapy focuses on building muscle in the legs and increasing the range of motion for your knee. The exercises the physical therapists concentrate on are these two issues. You can expect to do the exercises in the therapist’s office and also when you’re at home. Your therapist may recommend that you do the exercises a couple of times a day.
Somewhere between four and nine months after your ACL surgery, you should be ready to return to your normal activities, including biking, hiking, and skiing. Your doctor and physical therapist will work together to determine the best time to return to your normal activities. You should wait for them to give you the go-ahead.
Factors Influencing Recovery Time
You might have a friend who recovered from ACL surgery in four months and another who recovered in 10 months. Not everyone is going to recover from ACL surgery in the same timeframe. There are factors that affect your personal recovery time. These factors include:
- The severity of the initial injury
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Surgical Technique
- Adherence to physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Age
- Personal activity level before the injury
You don’t want to push yourself too hard and cause the injury to heal more slowly. Your doctor can give you an idea of how quickly he thinks you’ll recover.
Middle Park Health Helps You Through Every Step of the Process
At Middle Park Health, our team understands the pain you’re going through with a torn ACL and the uncertainty you might feel about surgery. We’re here to make the process as comfortable and clear as possible, from diagnosis through recovery.
We’re now seeing patients at our new Fraser Campus, making it even easier for you to access expert care close to home.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to move forward with treatment, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more.
At Middle Park Health, our team understands the pain you’re going through with a torn ACL and the trepidation you might feel about having surgery. We want to make you feel more comfortable and ensure all your questions are answered. Our team is always ready to meet with you to address your concerns.
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