Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Our specialised exercise program helps patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury to:

What is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a major knee ligament which serves to keep the knee joint stable. It connects the thighbone to the shinbone and, if torn, can cause serious pain and discomfort.  An ACL injury commonly occurs during an athletic activity or sports which involve a lot of sudden changes in direction (basketball, football, skiing, soccer, etc.).

In the majority of cases, people report hearing a popping sound in their knee. That is followed by severe pain which prevents them from resuming the activity they performed moments before. The ACL injury usually causes rapid swelling and complete loss of range of motion. In some less severe cases, it is possible to notice instability and that the knee is “giving way”, especially when you are carrying extra weight or turning. People can also experience  bruising, stiffness, limping, or pain when standing.

No. As there is no blood supply to this ligament, it cannot heal on its own. If you sustain an anterior cruciate ligament injury, you need to undergo ACL injury treatment and rehabilitation.

The recovery program will depend on whether the ligament is partially or completely torn. Worst case scenario, our anterior cruciate ligament injury specialists may advise surgery. If that is the case with you, rest assured that we will stand by your side pre and post-surgery, participating in the process. In less severe cases, we resort to taping to reduce swelling around the knee and mobilise the soft tissue to release muscle spasms which are responsible for limited movement. We also design a personalised anterior cruciate ligament injury exercises program. We offer home visit physiotherapy services and will gladly come to you to make sure you are performing all the exercises the right way. This will hasten the recovery process and ensure the best possible results.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury usually happens during a sports activity. It can occurs when you stop or slow down and change direction suddenly, land awkwardly from a jump or pivot with the foot firmly attached to the ground, or after receiving a blow to the knee.

Some people are at a greater risk of getting an ACL injury, such as basketball, soccer, football players, skiers, and gymnasts. People who play on artificial turf surfaces and use improper sports equipment are in a high risk as well. However, even non-athletic people can tear their ligaments. In fact, poor conditioning is one of the greatest risk factors, as well as improper footwear.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Pain

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Pain

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

ACL Injury Grades

  • Grade 1: Mild ligament damage – slightly stretched, maintains joint stability
  • Grade 2: Partial tear – ACL stretched and loose, partial tear
  • Grade 3: Complete tear – ACL complete tear/rupture, knee unstable

Our ACL Injury Treatment Methods

  • Taping
  • Soft tissue mobilisation
  • Pre and post-operative treatment
  • Orthotics prescription
  • Knee-supporting brace prescription
  • Progressive anterior cruciate ligament injury exercises program

Vitalis Physiotherapy, your 'physio near me', is here for any questions you may have about the ACL injury exercises and rehabilitation.

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Sinnamon Park Village

3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park Qld 4073

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