Physio Calgary Adressing ACL Injuries
How Physio Calgary deal with ACL problems?
What is an ACL tear and how does it occur?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a strong piece of connective tissue, which attaches the thigh bone (femur) to your leg bone (tibia). The ACL provides stability to the knee joint as it prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur.
Unfortunately, ACL tears are a common sports injury. The most typical mechanisms of injury are landing awkwardly from a jump, twisting the knee, or suddenly stopping while running. The ACL may also be injured during knee hyperextension, or when hit from the outside. Often, other tissues surrounding the knee are also damaged, including the medial collateral ligament, meniscus, joint cartilage, and bone surfaces. The ligament can be stretched, partially damaged or completely torn.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Often times, people report hearing a “pop” in the knee along with immediate pain and swelling. Decreased range of movement of the knee is common, and the injured knee is typically unable to take full weight when standing or walking. The knee may also feel unstable, with a sensation of “giving way”. Poor balance and coordination may also be experienced. Smaller tears of the ligament may have only mild symptoms, however, more severe tears will have more significant pain, swelling and instability.
When is surgery appropriate?
Traditionally, surgery was thought to be necessary for all full-thickness ACL tears. A series of recent studies have shown, however, that outcomes are often similar for people who chose surgery and those who don’t, both in terms of recovery and future risk of osteoarthritis. Individual circumstances will impact this decision; elite athletes and patients with additional meniscal tears often do best with surgery. Generally speaking, however, with time and full rehabilitation with Physio Calgary, and perhaps an ACL Knee brace, many people can return to their previous levels of activity without surgery.
How can Action Sports Clinic help?
For both surgical and non-surgical recovery from ACL tears, rehabilitation is essential for a full recovery. Following a complete evaluation, which may include an MRI, your physio or chiro will assist you with improving your knee’s range of movement, lower limb strength, balance, stability and coordination. You will re-learn the tasks of walking, using stairs, and negotiating obstacles with retraining of your balance and control. Early in rehabilitation, the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compress, elevation) is used in conjunction with static resistance type exercises to improve muscle contraction in the leg. The reduction of swelling and pain will help with your confidence as you begin to move better.
Throughout your rehabilitation program, you will progress through a variety of strength and mobility exercises targeted towards your individual needs, with goals of returning to your favourite sport or hobby as soon and as safely as possible. At certain stages, the complexity and challenge of each movement pattern will be increased.
Disclaimer
None of the information in this newsletter is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual condition. Physiotherapy Calgary
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
We specialize in the practice of Sports Medicine and provide services related to Sports Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Physical Therapy, Massage as well as off the shelf and custom Prosthetics & Orthotics.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes! We take pride in personal service and being very accomodating. Please click any of our Appointment Buttons and submit your information, we will be in touch to confirm your date and time.
Where is your office located?
We are located in downtown Calgary at 639 – 5th Ave SW – Suite 130. Easy street access right across 5th Avenue from Tim Hortons. Limited customer parking available at rear of building.
What are the office hours?
We are open Monday – Friday from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Do I need a referral from my physician?
No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
Do you provide custom brace solutions?
Yes, Dr. Rennick is qualified by the world’s top orthoepedic brands to develop custom bracing solutions for many conditions.
What Brands does Action Sports Clinic Carry?
We carry brands from the worlds top manufacturers including Donjoy, Össur, CTi, Bauerfeind, Thuasne and more.
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639 5 Avenue Southwest Suite 130
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9