ADELAIDE KNEE PAIN CLINIC
The optimal treatment for a torn ACL is not known and there is some controversy regarding the management of ACL injuries.
A well structured and extensive rehabilitation program seems to be the key factor in achieving a good outcome, whether surgical or non-surgical route is taken.
Gold standard practice is to do 3-6 months of rehab with intensive strengthening to build the muscles around the knee.
There have been many examples of athletes (even professional soccer and basketballers) who have returned to sport without surgery.
Through intense strengthening, neuromuscular control, balance and sports specific training your musculoskeletal system can be more than adequate to compensate for ligament laxity, making the ligament essentially redundant.
Given the lack of high-quality studies showing additional benefit of surgery compared with high quality physiotherapy rehab, many researchers are highlighting the “emerging realisation that athletes may be overtreated with surgery, but undertreated when it comes to rehabilitation” therefore a cultural shift away from early surgery and towards non-surgical management, with surgery “as needed” is required.
Who we work with:
We don't work with just anyone with ACL tears, but if you have the following symptoms there is a high chance we can help you:
You’ve had an ACL tear and want to avoid having surgery
You find your knee getting achy and stiff while sitting
Using stairs has become an issue due to pain
You have trouble squatting or kneeling due to pain
You are getting knee pain while running
your knee clicks a lot
you are concerned about early onset knee arthritis
How we help you:
Explain in detail the pros and cons of a surgical vs active rehabilitation approach and give you a non-biased expert opinion based on your values and goals and the latest evidence-based research
Bring rapid relief through the use of innovative manual therapy techniques (that don't involve medication or surgery)
Educate and empower you to keep your knee healthy in the long run with a personalised, progressive and evidence based home exercise program
Avoid surgery
Some recent research has demonstrated that 60 per cent of people with ACL tears can avoid surgery by following an advanced physiotherapy program (KANON trial).
The protocol involved an individualized physiotherapy treatment plan with a progressive home exercise program.
The structured program was designed to:
decrease inflammation
improve range of motion
progressive muscle strengthening
proprioception and balance re-training
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0907797
Don't delay your treatment...
After your ACL tear, the sooner you can start on your rehab journey the better.
If knee pain is reducing your ability to take part in the activities your normally do, then it is time to get it looked at. In general, chronic knee pain or clicking that is affecting your life is a sign that something is wrong.
Bookings:
If you think we are the right fit for you and you wish to start your journey right away, use our simple online booking system to make an appointment. If you would prefer to speak to us directly, call us 1300 657 813
About us
Dan O'Grady is a results driven qualified Physiotherapist and member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Dan has a special interest in treating people with ACL tears with an active and evidence based rehab strategy.
He has been working in private practice for 15 years. He is passionate about helping people to move better, feel better and get back to doing what they love.
Blogs to help your knee pain:
