Sydney Physio, Back Pain, Massage Physiotherapists and Injury Specialists Penrith, St Clair, St Marys, Glenmore Park | Greater West Physiotherapy

An anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL) happens when the AC Ligament inside your knee tears - partly or completely. It’s a common sports injury for athletes who do demanding sports that force you to run and stop sharply, to kick a ball hard or to jump up and swivel your body round quickly.  This includes sports like football, netball, rugby and basketball, amongst others.

Signs and symptoms of an ACL tear:

• There may be a pop or crack sound at the time of injury
• A torn ACL is extremely painful at the time of injury
• A feeling of instability often followed by extensive swelling
• Swelling of the knee  - usually extensive but can be just a little swelling later on
• Stiff knee joint and an inability to fully straighten the leg
• Possibly widespread mild tenderness

First aid

• Immediately stop play or competition
• Then you’ll need RICE immediately - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation of the knee
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible

Quick treatment will help prevent further damage, so rest and an ice pack immediately.  The knee should be wrapped in a bandage and elevated for this very painful injury.  You’ll probably need some painkillers to take the edge off the pain.  Don’t put any weight on the knee and use crutches when you need to walk.  Don’t think it will get better on its own – it won’t.  See a physiotherapist or doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment

Normally an ACL rupture will require surgery. The surgeon will either take a part of your hamstring or patella tendon and create a new ligament to replace the torn one. Usually this is accompanied by a cleaning out of the knee to remove debris. This operation is what people normally refer to as a "reconstruction".

 

Post Surgery Physiotherapy treatment

We generally follow a strict 6-12 month protocol for treatment that your surgeon has pre defined. Whilst this sounds like a long time, you have to remember that your body needs time to adjust. The new ligament needs to thicken and get stronger in its new position.

A physiotherapist uses massage, manipulation and mobilisation combined with stretching and planned exercise, as well as any of the following:

• Ice or heat pack application
• Ultrasound
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Range of motion exercises (ROM)
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Strengthening exercises
   
Rehabilitation of an ACL rupture is done in several stages, so try to be patient and allow the physiotherapy to work.  And with a bit of luck you’ll be back out there scoring goals and winning races with no permanent damage!