Understanding Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries – A Comprehensive Guide

ACL injuries are a major worry for those who are physically active and athletics. At Southgate Physio, we’re committed to giving our patients the best possible treatment and up-to-date knowledge to help them manage and heal from ACL injuries. The nature of ACL injuries, their origins, symptoms, and the extensive range of treatments our clinic offers will all be covered in this blog article.

What is An ACL Injury?

The ACL is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia. Stretching or tearing of the ligament, which frequently happens as a result of abrupt stops, abrupt direction changes, or direct trauma to the knee, results in an ACL injury.

Why People Get ACL Injuries?

ACL injuries may result from several causes, such as:

• Sports: Because high-risk sports require quick stops, turns, and leaps, football, basketball, soccer, and skiing are frequently the offenders.
• Direct Trauma: ACL tears can arise from direct trauma, which is frequently observed in contact sports or accidents involving the knee.
• Non-Contact Movements: ACL injuries can result from sudden stops, sharp turns, or poor landing mechanics.

Typical Signs and Symptoms of An ACL Tear

• Popping Sensation: Numerous patients claim to have heard or felt something pop at the scene of their injuries.
• Severe Pain: Excruciating pain that may go away but comes back as you move around.
• Swelling: Quick swelling brought on by joint hemorrhage that occurs a few hours after the injury.
• Knee Bowing: An experience of the knee bowing or giving way when bearing weight is known as instability.
• Limited Range of Motion: The inability to completely extend the knee joint, frequently combined with stiffness.

Diagnosis of ACL Injury

At Southgate Physio, we use a combination of physical examination and refer for imaging studies to diagnose ACL injuries:

• Physical Examination: To check the integrity of the ACL, our physiotherapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes specialised procedures like the Lachman and pivot shift tests.
• Imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are frequently used to verify the diagnosis, evaluate the severity of the injury, and look for any related damage to other knee components.

Treatment Options for ACL Injury at Southgate Physio

We offer a comprehensive approach to managing ACL injuries, tailored to each patient’s needs and recovery goals:

Conservative Management:

• Protection and Rest: RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the first line of treatment to help with pain and swelling.
• Bracing: To stabilise the knee and prevent future injuries, a brace may be utilised.
• Physiotherapy: A structured rehabilitation regimen with the goals of regaining range of motion, building up the nearby muscles, and enhancing proprioception and balance.

Rehabilitation Following Surgery:

• Prehabilitation: Physiotherapy prior to surgery to strengthen the knee and enhance recovery from surgery.
• Post-Operative Care: Our physiotherapists will assist you with a staged rehabilitation programme after ACL reconstruction surgery, starting with basic mobility exercises and progressing to advanced strength training and functional activities.

Return to Sport – Sport-Specific Training:

• Agility, strength, and technique-focused workouts and drills designed to get you ready for a safe return to your sport.
• Injury prevention is the process of educating people on safe methods and fitness regimens to lower their chance of being hurt again.

Why Opt for Southgate Physio?

Our skilled team of physiotherapists at Southgate Physio are committed to offering individualised therapy to assist you in recovering from ACL injuries and regaining full function. To guarantee the greatest results for our patients, we implement the most recent rehabilitation procedures in conjunction with evidence-based approaches.

Summary

ACL injuries might be difficult to heal, but you can if you receive the proper diagnosis, care, and therapy. Get in touch with Southgate Physio right now to get an evaluation and begin your road to recovery if you think you may have suffered an ACL tear or are having knee discomfort.

If you want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0208 3686767 or emailing us at info@southgatephysio.co.uk

Physiotherapy Services We Offer

Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments that are all recommended and tailored to everyone who comes and visits us. Our range of treatments complements the body and mind, helping to keep you pain and injury-free, delivering preventative measures to maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels.

Our main aim is to restore your personal well-being so you can enjoy an active, healthy, and pain-free life. Click on any of the services to find out a little more about each treatment and understand if it might be right for you.

• Home Visit Physiotherapy
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal Injuries Treatment
• Pain Management
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Shockwave Therapy
• Theraflex
• Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation
• Elderly Rehabilitation
• Sports Massage
• Online Video Consultation
• Sports Physiotherapy