Upcoming ACL surgery - any tips? (1 Viewer)

Morning all. I twisted my knee playing football on holiday in summer 2020. I had it scanned and went for physio and was soon back running and swimming. Whenever I played football, though, the knee felt unstable, although there weren't many opportunities to play because of COVID restrictions.

After it went again in September, I went to see a knee specialist who sent me for an MRI which showed that my ACL had completely disappeared and my meniscus was torn and I needed an op to repair both.

I'm going in for surgery next Friday (I'm going in Geneva where the Swiss ski team go so I'm hoping for decent care!) and was wondering if any of you had had a similar op and could share anything that might help with the recovery process? I have an office job so expect to be back up working from home pretty quickly and intend to do the physio properly.

Cheers.

Nayy93ccfc said:

Sorry to hear this. I’m waiting on an ACL and LCL reconstruction too, as a footballer I’m heartbroken!
Most decent physios would rehab you following a protocol similar to what I’ve attached to this message for you.
The most important thing post op is trying to achieve full extension (straight leg). This normally takes 4-6 weeks.
There’s some great rehab people to follow on Instagram:
- Mick Hughes (ACL specialist in Australia)
- ACL collective
- ACL_academy
- Team ACL

Ultimately rebuilding your quads and hamstrings is vital.

Im a fitness specialist who has unfortunately seen a lot of people through this rehabilitation, it’s not easy and can be frustrating but you’ve got to persevere.

ps returning to any sport shouldn’t happen before 9 months rehab and some testing should follow to determine it.

all the best!

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Really appreciate this @Nayy93ccfc and a big thanks to @RedSalmon for the DM.

CJ_covblaze said:

Only just seen this. I’ve done it 3 times on my right. Ice is important. A Cryo Cuff is the best thing you could buy. When you get to the point of single leg weight baring I found standing on a pillow/cushion helped with balance. Hope the recovery is going well.

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Cheers CJ. I had my op on Friday and I’ve been icing non-stop since. I’ve hired a CryoCuff for the next month. Physio has gone ok so far and I head home tomorrow. @RedSalmon has been giving me some advice too.
PS saw your flag at the Test match at Oval last summer - intended to come and say hello but the beers took over! Thanks again for your reply.