Return to Sport after ACL injury: Cue Chaos
While Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rehabilitation is one of the highest studied areas within physical therapy, it certainly has its shortcomings with loose return to play (RTP) guidelines remaining less than definitive and not to mention delivering relatively high failure rates. So, why is this high failure rate occurring, what are we missing, and what can we do to see meaningful changes in return to sport?
Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction
Optimizing rehab following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is essential for a successful return to sport and recreational activities. Unfortunately, quad strength deficits and gait impairments can linger >6 months to 3 years after surgery.(1,2) It is our job as physical therapists to guide the individual through a quality rehab process and have the correct tools to objectively measure progress.