The non-ACL-reconstruction route . . .

fivetwenty

I know that there's a few ACL victims here who got back to sports without an ACL Reconstruction. I'm taking this route myself as the surgeon feels I can, my knee isn't that lax - to the point where two physios thought it wasn't the cruciate at all.

I'm squatting 96KG at the moment, did 160 of them today as well as a load of thigh-extensions. I think this should make my knee alright, the quads & hamstrings should substitute, right?

I plan on playing at a high level again, within four months of the injury itself. Is it possible? How long did it take you and what exercises were you doing? I primarily want to get back to GAA, but astro-turf soccer will be a big priority during the winter and I'm wondering if it'll be safe? It seems that Ireland's the only country where you can be advised to skip the surgery!

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fivetwenty wrote: »

I know that there's a few ACL victims here who got back to sports without an ACL Reconstruction. I'm taking this route myself as the surgeon feels I can, my knee isn't that lax - to the point where two physios thought it wasn't the cruciate at all.

I'm squatting 96KG at the moment, did 160 of them today as well as a load of thigh-extensions. I think this should make my knee alright, the quads & hamstrings should substitute, right?

I plan on playing at a high level again, within four months of the injury itself. Is it possible? How long did it take you and what exercises were you doing? I primarily want to get back to GAA, but astro-turf soccer will be a big priority during the winter and I'm wondering if it'll be safe? It seems that Ireland's the only country where you can be advised to skip the surgery!

Hey Fivetwenty,
The rehab side of things is going to be the key to you returning to a high level again. Squats are certainly going to help build strong quads, you should also put emphasis on the hamstrings, as they are going to prevent the thigh/femur from sliding forward on the tibia,putting less strain through the ACL. Nordic Hamstring is a good exercise, just do a youtube search.

Some studies have shown that leg extension machines should be avoided in an ACL deficient knee, as it puts too much shear force through the knee. Gray Cook advocates doing lunges to help with the deceleration component of running and more protection to the knee.

And lastly don't neglect your hips,gluts,core, balance work (wobble board).
Hip mobility--plenty of stretching. Glut Strengthening-- Bridge track with leg extension, one leg deadlift etc

I don't think that the astro will be a problem, in general avoid excessive twisting motions with the affected knee and foot planted.

There was a recent study which looked at conservative vs operative treatment:
Meuffels D, Favajee M, Vissers M, et al. Ten-year follow-up study comparing conservative vs. operative treatment of ACL ruptures. Paper #33. Presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 75th Annual Meeting. March 5-9, 2008. San Francisco.

Good luck with your recovery...

Kind Regards
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fivetwenty

toggle wrote: »

Hey Fivetwenty,
The rehab side of things is going to be the key to you returning to a high level again. Squats are certainly going to help build strong quads, you should also put emphasis on the hamstrings, as they are going to prevent the thigh/femur from sliding forward on the tibia,putting less strain through the ACL. Nordic Hamstring is a good exercise, just do a youtube search.

Some studies have shown that leg extension machines should be avoided in an ACL deficient knee, as it puts too much shear force through the knee. Gray Cook advocates doing lunges to help with the deceleration component of running and more protection to the knee.

And lastly don't neglect your hips,gluts,core, balance work (wobble board).
Hip mobility--plenty of stretching. Glut Strengthening-- Bridge track with leg extension, one leg deadlift etc

I don't think that the astro will be a problem, in general avoid excessive twisting motions with the affected knee and foot planted.

There was a recent study which looked at conservative vs operative treatment:
Meuffels D, Favajee M, Vissers M, et al. Ten-year follow-up study comparing conservative vs. operative treatment of ACL ruptures. Paper #33. Presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 75th Annual Meeting. March 5-9, 2008. San Francisco.

Good luck with your recovery...

Kind Regards
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Thanks for the advice! I know what you mean about the leg extensions - I was told to hold off them at the early stage but it's over two months now and the physio said I should be able to handle it at this stage . . . I was doing it just this morning, didn't feel too bad but I can cut it out if the risk is too great.

I must take up lunges . . .

theluckyduck

I tore my ACL a good while back, pain in the ass so it is!!
my advice...
do all the recovery work ya can
go to a good physiotherapist and consistently go to ensure progress
take you time... if ya rush recovery it can make things a hell of a lot worse!!

Good luck with it and by the sounds of things ya should make a good recovery.

puntosporting

Well i went down the reconstructive work went for the hamstring graft!
I completed my rehab in 6 months and have had no problems in the last 3 years and am in full contact sports!
Anyway if you think you can rehab without an op more power to you is it a partial tear?
Mine was a snap and the knee was in ****e so i had no option anyway!
Patience is the key i believe you litteraly must walk before you run on this one!
Just listen to your physio and dont get lazy with those boring hours in the gym youll be on the right track then!