How Do You Recover Quickly From ACL Knee Surgery?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, is one of two ligaments that form a cross pattern connecting the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (thigh bone). Athletes often tear this ligament when participating in sports such as gymnastics, basketball, football, figure skating, skiing, soccer, track and field, and even dance and cheerleading. Non-athletes can also injure the ACL in every day life by tripping, stepping off of curbs, and any other activity that twists the knee in an abrupt manner. Surgical techniques to repair ACL injuries have greatly advanced in the last 25 years, but the reconstructive surgery still requires physical therapy and a recovery period. Learn what you can to speed your recovery and get back into life. The most important step is to listen to and follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s instructions exactly as they are given. Immediately after surgery, your first concern will be pain management. You may have outpatient surgery and go home the same day. Older pat
