ACL rupture, why bother with prehab?

You’ve ruptured your ACL, you’ve consulted your surgeon and now you hear that you should do prehab?

Prehab is rehabilitation to prepare for a surgery. Research indicates those who perform 10 sessions of pre operative strengthening over 5 weeks are more likely to return to sport within 2 years of ACL rupture! Return to sport is not a given and there are many factors that can improve your likelihood and decrease your chance of re rupture.

There are many other benefits:

Opportunity for your Shepparton physiotherapist to assess your strength of your non injured leg. We use this measurement throughout your rehab post operative as part of your testing before you return to sport. We use testing to reduce chance of rupturing your graft. Taking this measurement before surgery gives us a more accurate measure of your strength BEFORE you decondition due to surgery. This gives us a more accurate measurement to aim for before returning to sport.

Reduce swelling before surgery and increase strength to improve your immediate post operative period

Improve confidence and walking pattern

Discuss goals, timelines and expectations

So while you may want to book the surgery and get going, consider and ask your surgeon about the benefits of prehab. As we get better at planning for major surgeries the outcomes continue to improve. Short term patience and effort can pay off in the long term

If you’re unsure, speak with one of our Shepparton physiotherapists before your surgery

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