Physical therapy, Not a Knee Brace, Aids in ACL Recovery

Post provided by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery

 

In a new literature review recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, a team of orthopaedic surgeons reviewed 29 studies regarding treatment following reconstructive ACL surgery. They found that physical therapy, begun shorting after surgery, can bring about very good outcomes for patients. Bracing, though, did not seem to improve results.

 

"The most important thing for ACL surgery patients is to start physical therapy early and rigorously," says Rick W. Wright, MD, professor and co-chief of the sports medicine department at the Washington University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "It can be difficult at first, but it's worth it in terms of returning to sports and other activities."

Therapy usually focuses on improving patients strength, range of motion, and function.