ACL: What exactly is it?
What IS the ACL anyway? ⠀And what does it actually DO?
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The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) at the knee joint. It can tear if you:⠀
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✔️Twist your knee while keeping your foot planted on the ground.⠀
✔️Stop suddenly while running.⠀
✔️Suddenly shift your weight from one leg to the other.⠀
✔️Jump and land on an extended (straightened) knee.⠀
✔️Stretch the knee farther than its usual range of movement.⠀
✔️Experience a direct hit to the knee.⠀
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Most people who sustain an ACL tear will undergo surgery to reconstruct the tear; however, some people may avoid surgery by modifying their physical activity to relieve stress on the knee. A select group can actually return to vigorous physical activity following rehabilitation without having surgery. Most young adults with goals to head back to competitive sports will elect to have their ACL reconstructed.⠀
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Here at ASTF, we work with the Twin Cities best orthopedic surgeons at each major sports medicine provider. If you need a recommendation of who to see, please feel free to give us a call. If surgery is indicated for you, most surgeons we work with refer their patients to us pre-surgery for a short course of rehabilitation. This allow us to restore your range of motion, reduce swelling, and help strengthen your quadriceps in preparation for the recovery process. ⠀
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If possible, come and see us the day after your surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide us specifics regarding your case and what was done in the operating room, and then we design an individualized treatment program based on your specific needs and goals.⠀
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This is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in sports - make sure YOU choose whose hands you go to for the best recovery. At ASTF, this is one of the most common and frequent injuries we see at our clinic, which means you will get the top sports medicine PT's treating you and customizing your rehab program for your sport. ⠀
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Contact us anytime to chat with a physical therapist directly.⠀
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Live Life Without Limitations