ACL Study Finds Physical Therapy Helps After Surgery, Not Bracing

Patients who undergo surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament – commonly called ACL – may want to set up physical therapy sessions as soon as possible, according to a new study.
That’s because a team of orthopaedic surgeons found that physical therapy, begun quickly after surgery, can offer very good results for patients.
Bracing, however, did not seem to improve a patient’s outcome.
“The most important thing for ACL surgery patients is to start physical therapy early and rigorously,” said Dr. Rick Wright, professor and co-chief of the sports medicine department at the Washington University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “It can be difficult at first, but it’s worth it in terms of returning to sports and other activities.”
The review, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, looked at 29 studies that focused on treatment after reconstructive ACL surgery.
The ACL, which runs through the middle of the knee joint, is most commonly hurt when a person suddenly changes direction, stops quickly or lands incorrectly after a jump, according to a news release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Other findings from the review include:

• Physical therapy should being within a few days of ACL surgery.
• Balance therapies may help patients.
• No vitamins or other supplements have been proven to have an effect on healing the ACL.
• While neuromuscular therapies are not harmful, their benefits require more study.
• More study is needed for accelerated rehabilitation.

Source: American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

+ Find a Physical Therapy Location near You

+ Learn about Proper Running Techniques to Prevent Injuries