Recovering From ACL Surgery

Choosing to have reconstructive surgery done on an ACL tear can be a difficult decision to make. But for some of us, we need a fully functioning ACL to get back to the activities we enjoy. If you’ve decided to have an ACL reconstructed your recovery is going to take some time. There are some actions that you can make to help the process move along.

The results of the surgery can vary dramatically. Some injuries are simply worse than others, while certain surgical procedures may also be more invasive. In other cases, the way in which you approach recovery can make a big difference in how fast you're back on your feet.

If you intend to return to athletic activities after your ACL surgery, pay close attention to the instructions given for rehab. The rehab process, although tedious, is crucial to ensuring that you get back as much function as possible after the surgery.

Easy Tips For A Speedy Recovery

Below I’ve listed a few basic recommendations that should help you recover quickly from ACL surgery. Following the steps below should put you in a much better place recovery wise after the surgery.

Follow your post-op instructions. Immediately after ACL surgery, you will receive specific instructions from your surgeon, including the schedule of post-op visits. You will also be referred to a physical therapist to establish a rehabilitation program. It is important to adhere to these recommendations and to ask questions if you don't understand what is being asked of you.

Go to your follow-up appointments. Most of us strongly dislike follow-up appointments. I’m right there with you. But this is one of those times when I would strongly suggest that you go to every single one. Your progress after ACL surgery needs to be closely monitored to ensure that your rehab plan is tweaked to account for any changes. There is a direct link between how quickly you recover and the amount of post op follow-up appointments.

Get a referral to a physical therapist. Typically, a physical therapist is prescribed immediately following an ACL surgery. However, nobody is perfect, if you were not given a referral make it a point to ask your surgeon for one.

Perform ACL rehab exercises. Your physical therapist will determine the appropriate exercise program based your age, surgery, current health, and current fitness level. These should be performed by routine and continued well after mobility has been restored.

Eat correctly. After surgery your body is doing absolutely everything it can to heal the injured tissue. That means its taking as many nutrients as possible from other parts of your body to heal itself. It’s imperative that you are eating well after a surgery to help your body heal faster. Recommended foods include lean protein (red meat, chicken or fish), dairy, and fresh citrus. Vegetables are nutrient-rich, so eat plenty of green leafy plants including spinach. Many nutritionists recommend stopping or at least limiting caffeine, alcohol, and sodas.

Sleep enough. Sleep might be the most important tip on this list. Your body heals the most during your hours of sleep. Getting a solid 8 hours of sleep in each night will greatly improve the rate of recovery. Small bonus here, getting off of your feet for those 8 hours will relieve a lot of stress and pressure in the era of the surgery, at least for a few hours after you wake up.

Ask for help: After surgery, you will be less mobile and will probably need additional help with daily activities. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family.

Recovering from an ACL surgery is a lengthy process, and can take up to six months to heal. With the possibility of an additional three months to get healed back up to pre-injury condition.

Don’t stress out if it’s taking you longer to heal than you expected, or longer than the average. Everyone heals at a different rate. Keep following the tips above and give your body the time it needs to get back to its pre-injury self.

If you’re still struggling and need support, encouragement or tips feel free to reach out to me. If you have fitness goals that you’re afraid to go after during recovery, let me know. I’ve helped previous clients with ACL injuries achieve their goals.

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