Questions regarding ACL rehab process

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all,

I have previously myself undergone an ACL reconstruction and I am due to return to sport very soon however psychological factors are holding me back as I am fearing reinjury. Along with gaining knowledge for my personal journey, I am conducting research regarding the return to sport after an ACL reconstruction.

I would like to know:

1. After the ACL injury, do you believe you had a negative or positive psychological response to the injury and throughout your rehab?

2. Did you return to sport and did you find it a difficult process?

3. If you were offered with a booklet containing a rehab program, certain goals to be met at the end of each phase and coping strategies to deal with psychological factors brought about by this injury, would you use it to benefit your rehab and return to sport? (yes/no)

If you wish to consent me to utilise your information for research purposes, please let me know in your response.

Thanks in advance!

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    If you're going to be afraid to push the knee to excel at your sport, you should quit now.  Hesitancy is the surest way to reinjure yourself.

  • Posted

    Great questions Taylor! I've not had ACL issues. I can say any injury/surgery makes a person wonder and there will be fear and hesitancy if you are ever actually WELL again. The mind can hold people captive for a long time after the injury is fully healed. Here's a thought. There are many people who use it as a crutch until THEY DON'T. The choice is never planned. Remember Forest Gump and his braces? Then one day, run Forest, run, and he did. Not to make light of serious issues. Many people physically are changed but most are restricted by their thoughts. If every football player quit after a pcl or acl injury we wouldnt have many players. Thats where the exercise comes from. Rest to allow heal, exercise to build strength after.

    Meniscus tears dont ALWAYS require surgery immediately but often do eventually r/t synovial fluid leak and hence swelling and loss of function. You can at least plan your time off. Recovery from an arthroscopy is quicker than rrplacement surgery.

    Good luck on your research

    • Posted

      I'm rather glad this subject has been raised.  It's something that is at the back of my mind and I'd love some ideas on it.  For many years, because of the arthritis being so bad on both knees I've walked INCREDIBLY  slowly and not far.  Every step was a struggle.  Initially I used two sticks, but was told my core muscles were getting weaker, so dropped down to one and then none for about 6 years up to the op for the first knee.  But my walking never felt secure and it was really hard work because every muscle in my body was tense for each step.  Now one knee has been done and feels much more secure, but still waiting for the other knee.  My concern is will I be able to relax into walking again naturally after the other knee is done?  I've used a treadmill for a couple of years but this has always been with holding on to the arms because the pain in knees was too great not to lean on arms.  I'm planning on starting that this week again (I'm coming up for 5 weeks post op) but thought if I start REALLY slow and can do it without holding on, maybe I can train my brain to feel secure walking again.  If the unoperated knee is too bad, then I'm going to have to wait until the other knee is done (asap).  But do others feel like this.  The thing is, indoors I'm fine, and it's outside that I have a problem, so I'm wondering if this is a mental issue rather than a physical one?

  • Posted

    Sorry menicus part was for other pt!

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