After undergoing ACL surgery, there are certain exercises that you should avoid to ensure a safe and successful recovery. These exercises can put excessive stress on your knee and hinder the healing process. It’s important to follow the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist to avoid any complications or setbacks in your rehabilitation.
1. Excessive weight-bearing before your body is ready: In the early stages of ACL rehabilitation, your doctor or physical therapist may advise you to put some weight on your injured leg. However, it’s crucial to avoid putting too much weight on the leg before your body is ready. This can strain the healing ligament and potentially cause further damage. Gradually increase weight-bearing as instructed by your healthcare professional.
2. Walking without support too early: While it’s important to regain your ability to walk, it’s crucial to use crutches or a walker until you receive clearance from your doctor or physical therapist. Walking without support too early can lead to improper gait patterns and put unnecessary stress on the healing knee. Follow the recommended progression from assisted walking to independent walking as advised by your healthcare professional.
3. Full-range open-chain knee extension: Open-chain exercises involve moving your foot or lower leg freely, without any fixed point of contact. Full-range open-chain knee extension exercises, such as leg extensions using a machine, can place excessive strain on the ACL during the early stages of recovery. These exercises should be avoided until your knee is sufficiently healed and the surrounding muscles are strong enough to support the movement.
4. High-impact activities: High-impact activities like running, jumping, or playing sports should be avoided in the early stages of ACL rehabilitation. These activities can put excessive stress on the healing ligament and increase the risk of reinjury. It’s important to gradually reintroduce these activities under the guidance of your healthcare professional once your knee has regained sufficient strength and stability.
5. Deep squats or lunges: Deep squats and lunges require significant knee flexion, which can place excessive strain on the healing ACL. These exercises should be avoided until your knee has regained sufficient strength and stability. Start with shallow squats and gradually progress to deeper ranges of motion as advised by your healthcare professional.
Remember, every individual’s recovery process may vary, and it’s essential to consult with your doctor or physical therapist for personalized recommendations. They will be able to assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance based on your progress and goals.
Personal experience: After undergoing ACL surgery myself, I followed a strict rehabilitation protocol provided by my physical therapist. Initially, I was advised to avoid weight-bearing on my injured leg and used crutches for support. I gradually progressed to partial weight-bearing and eventually full weight-bearing as my knee healed. Open-chain knee extension exercises were initially avoided, and instead, I focused on closed-chain exercises that provided stability and strength to my knee. As I regained strength and stability, I gradually reintroduced more challenging exercises and eventually returned to sports activities under the supervision of my physical therapist. It’s important to listen to your body and follow the guidance of your healthcare professionals throughout the recovery process.