At Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, we understand the profound impact an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can have on athletes and active individuals. The ACL is a crucial ligament in the knee that helps stabilize the joint during dynamic activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting.
Unfortunately, ACL injuries are common, particularly in sports that involve sudden changes in direction or intense physical contact. Research shows that ACL injuries are more common in females compared to males, particularly in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, and rapid changes in direction. Preventing and effectively treating ACL injuries is essential to ensuring that individuals can maintain their active lifestyles and achieve their performance goals.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing ACL injuries begins with understanding the risk factors and implementing targeted strategies to address them.
- Proper conditioning and strength training are fundamental in reducing the risk of ACL injuries. At Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, we emphasize the importance of developing strong, balanced muscles around the hip and knee joints, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Plyometric exercises, agility drills, and balance training are also integral components of our prevention programs, designed to enhance neuromuscular control and improve the body’s ability to respond to dynamic movements.
- Equally important is educating athletes about proper techniques and body mechanics. Our physical therapists work closely with clients to teach them how to land safely from jumps, pivot correctly, and maintain proper alignment during high-impact activities.
- Wearing appropriate footwear can further mitigate the risk. Additionally, incorporating regular flexibility exercises can help maintain optimal joint range of motion, further protecting the knee from injury.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process typically begins with reducing pain and swelling and gradually progresses to restoring range of motion and strength. Our physical therapists use a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and advanced modalities to facilitate healing and improve knee function. Functional training, which simulates real-life activities and sports-specific movements, is a critical component of our rehabilitation programs. This helps patients regain confidence in their knee stability and prepares them for a safe return to their desired activities.
What makes us different at Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, is that we adopt a comprehensive, individualized approach to ACL rehabilitation. Our treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals, ensuring they receive the most effective care possible. Additionally, we provide:
- Formally test and retest strength with hand-held dynamometry post-op ACL surgery
- Use modalities such as the M Trigger biofeedback device – which measures how well a patient is performing a specific muscle contraction during exercise
- BFR which helps with earlier use of strength training and pain modulation
- Dry Needling* – used for pain and movement impairment due to muscle strains
- Alter-G rehab* – allows rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries by using air in a pressure-controlled chamber to gently lift the user.
*Cash-based services
Fitzgerald’s owner and founder, Holly Fitzgerald has torn both her ACL’s in the past years playing soccer and has had surgery to repair. Read more about her story, road to recovery and return to sports here.
Prevention – Athletes for Life
In addition to the traditional physical therapy treatment if you are injured, we also work closely with athletes through our Athletes for Life program. This allows us to assess your risk for ACL tears by performing an athletic preparedness evaluation. This also helps to understand where Athletes need to improve their performance and recommend a plan on how to get there. Easily book your assessment now!**
** Due to additional skills and training needed by our PT’s, this screening is a cash-based service of $225 (one hour evaluation) and any in-clinic follow-ups $85. Contact us to learn more.
**We are a proud affiliate of Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine
