End Stage Rehab/ Return To Sport After ACL Repair
Ensuring that you get back to what you love, with a lower chance of re-injury
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating injuries for athletes. These injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction, such as football, netball, and skiing.
A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine highlighted that about 6-9% of individuals experience a second ACL injury, often due to premature return to sport or insufficient rehabilitation.
Having an individualised rehabilitation program post-ACL repair can help minimise the risk of re-injury. Our return to sport program includes pre-hab, early post-op, mid-stage and late stage rehabilitation, using state-of-the-art sports facilities at the Lansdowne Club.
Here, we look at the key elements of end stage rehabilitation for a successful return to sport.
Following return-to-sport guidelines
Research underscores the importance of a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol to mitigate the risk of re-injury after ACL repair surgery. Re-injury rates can be as high as 20% within the first two years post-surgery, particularly among younger athletes who return to high-risk sports. This underscores the necessity for a meticulously planned rehab program that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
We adhere to the EVIDENCE BASED GUIDELINES such as the Aspetar guidelines, to guide rehabilitation throughout the whole process of the patient's journey. These guidelines emphasise a multifaceted approach, ensuring that the athlete's recovery is holistic and thorough.
Refining your sport-specific movement patterns
In the final stages of rehabilitation, the focus shifts towards restoring full function and preparing the athlete for the demands of their sport. This includes advanced strength and conditioning exercises aimed at achieving muscular symmetry between the injured and non-injured leg, enhancing neuromuscular control (the unconscious trained response of a muscle to a signal regarding dynamic joint stability), and refining sport-specific movement patterns. Proprioception/ balance drills are integral to this phase, helping athletes regain their stability and coordination.
Plyometric training is another critical component of our end-stage rehabilitation. These exercises, such as box jumps, are designed to rebuild explosive power and improve the dynamic stability of the knee joint.
Additionally, running mechanics are assessed and refined. Gait analysis allows us to identify any asymmetries or compensatory movements that could predispose the athlete to further injury.
Agility and sport-specific drills are also incorporated to mimic the dynamic conditions of an athlete’s sport. Exercises such as shuttle runs, ladder drills, and cone drills are used to improve coordination, speed, and the ability to make quick directional changes. These drills are essential for preparing the athlete to return to the high-intensity environment of competitive sports.
Final tests to ensure you are ready
Before an athlete is cleared to return to sport, we perform a series of tests to ensure readiness. We use handheld dynamometers to assess the strength and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstrings, ensuring there is no significant deficit between the operated and non-operated leg. Hop tests evaluate lower limb power, control, and symmetry through various measures, including single-leg hop for distance and triple hop. We will test these in a fatigued state to help evaluate if you are ready to return to your sport and we always do this in line with published guidelines such as the ACL Melbourne and Aspetar protocols.
Additionally, psychological readiness is assessed using tools such as the ACL-RSI (ACL Return to Sport after Injury) scale to gauge the athlete’s confidence and anxiety levels. This comprehensive approach ensures that athletes are not only physically prepared but also mentally ready to return to their sport.
““Undergoing ACL treatment was challenging, but Naomi made a huge difference in my recovery. The great care, psychological support and dedicated training plan really helped me get my strength and confidence back. Looking forward to going back to sports soon!””
Get in touch to find out more
Our commitment to individualised, evidence-based rehabilitation ensures that each athlete's journey back to sport is safe and successful. We’ll provide a structured plan, all the encouragement you could wish for and motivating goals that can be ticked off as you phase back into sport with strength and confidence.
Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have about how we can help you with your ACL repair rehab. Call us on 02030 12 12 22.
