June 18th, 2018

// Knee Injuries: the Best Practices for Recovering from a Torn ACL

Knee Injuries: the Best Practices for Recovering from a Torn ACL

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a knee injury that can make mobility more difficult. Common among athletes, a torn ACL can also affect people who lead more sedentary lifestyles. Fortunately, there are some methods that often work in alleviating much of the pain and discomfort and speeding recovery time. Here are some of the best practices for recovering from a torn ACL.

 

Yoga Poses

Certain yoga poses can aid in the recovery process and are safe for most people who have ACL injuries. Fox Newssuggests trying the standard bridge and bridge with leg lift poses to help strengthen the leg muscles, glutes and knee joint. The tree pose, which involves standing on one leg and putting the foot of the other leg on the inside of the thigh, can stretch the ligament in a good way. Other recommended poses include child’s pose and reclined leg raises.

 

Acupuncture

Even though acupuncture won’t heal a torn ACL, this form of traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate pain and other symptoms of the condition. Acupuncture can work well in conjunction with other treatment methods. A trained acupuncturist inserts small needles gently into the area around the ACL to help relieve pain and tension. This form of therapy may also be effective in stabilizing surrounding muscles in the knee to elicit recovery.

 

Physical Therapy

Many people have experienced great results with physical therapy. A qualified physical therapist at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.or another nearby office can design personalized treatment plains to aid in torn ACL recovery. Exercises, stretches and other forms of physical therapy are implemented to enhance knee functioning and mobility. Additional measures can be taken to prevent injury recurrence. Most physical therapy facilities feature exercise equipment that’s designed to be safe for people with ACL injuries.

 

Surgery

Surgery isn’t always necessary to treat a torn ACL, but sometimes it’s the only option. Many ACL injuries also involve torn meniscus cartilage, which requires surgery to correct. During surgery, the ACL can be reconstructed with grafting and strengthened to prevent any future tearing. An autograft, which involves harvesting bone or tissue from another part of the body, is often used to perform the reconstruction. Bone or tissue grafts from a donor are also sometimes used in ACL repairs. Total recovery time following surgery usually ranges from six to twelve months.

 

Recovering from a torn ACL can be a challenging ordeal, but there are certain methods that can make the process easier. The right recovery method will depend on a particular individual’s lifestyle and health status.

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