ACL injuries typically occur via non-contact mechanisms and require significant intensive rehabilitation prior to return to sport (RTS)
Most of the time, complete ACL tears require surgical repair, especially for athletes who perform pivot and rotational movements in their sport.
Here's a summary of the key points to focus on
Prehabilitation: Preparing for surgery through prehabilitation programs can lead to superior knee function and strength post-surgery. Initiating rehabilitation prior to surgery helps reduce swelling and regain range of motion and strength.
Rebuilding Strength: Rehabilitation should focus on addressing muscle imbalances, inhibitions, and relative strength deficits. Gradual progression from isolated muscle strength exercises to functional movements and then functional strength development is important for restoring strength and function.
Landing Mechanics and Plyometrics: Once sufficient strength is regained, landing mechanics and plyometric training can be incorporated. Bilateral landing exercises and variations of landing tasks can help develop eccentric control, joint awareness, and proprioception.
Deceleration and Cutting Re-training: Deceleration and cutting movements should be re-trained once the athlete demonstrates good single-leg squatting, bipodal landings, and treadmill running mechanics. Rotational and anti-rotation exercises can be used to improve control and stability during cutting movements.
On-Field Rehabilitation: Gradually progressing to high-speed and agility drills, sport-specific skills, and increasing training load is important during on-field rehabilitation. The focus should be on preparing the athlete for the demands of their sport.
Testing and Measurements: Periodic testing and re-testing of the athlete's strength, movement quality, and performance help monitor progress and guide rehabilitation. Tests such as isokinetic testing, hop tests, movement analysis, and agility tests can be used to assess readiness for return to sport.
By following these key points and tailoring the rehabilitation program to the individual athlete's needs, clinicians and rehab trainers can facilitate a successful recovery from ACL injury and optimize the athlete's return to sport while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
Therefore, to be effective at Prehab & Rehab Management, we need to understand
- Mechanism of Injury & what to avoid post injury
- Understanding Injury Recovery and Tissue Healing Times to avoid delay in rehabilitation and progression.
- Identify pain-free Mobility & Movements to start with early strengthening
- Identify Early to Late Stage Rehab Exercise Prescription to plan an holistic training program
Full syllabus & information about the course is on the website
For more information about the course & Registration ☎ Call / WhatsApp – 9765705580
By Luqman Shaikh – Sports Scientist – Founder Prehab 121
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