Can pre-surgery ACL therapy improve recovery?

We know that physical therapy after joint surgery is a critical part of the recovery process, but can therapy before surgery also improve our recovery?

When a knee injury requires surgery, every patient wants the best outcome possible. Accurate injury diagnosis, surgical skill, and post-surgical therapy are critical to regaining knee function after an ACL reconstruction; but what about pre-surgical ACL therapy? Are there steps patients can take in advance of their surgery to improve their outcome?

“The number one complication after an ACL reconstruction is a stiff knee,” explains Dr. Skendzel. “We know that having good motion before the ACL is repaired and reconstructed predicts post-operative motion. If a patient goes into surgery with impaired motion, there’s a higher chance that they’ll have poor motion after surgery.”

Benefit of ACL therapy before surgery

“An ACL injury inflames the knee,” he continues. “Within a day of the injury, the knee gets stiff and patients may have a difficult time fully bend or straighten the leg. This is why we’ll often work with a therapist to improve the knee’s range of motion before we operate. Surgery is invasive by nature—it adds insult to the already injured knee.”

Building strong quads

Maximizing quadriceps strength prior to surgery is equally important. “The quadriceps muscle shuts down significantly after any type of knee injury,” Dr. Skendzel explains. “After ACL surgery, the quad just doesn’t want to work. It atrophies quickly following the triple assault of injury, inflammation, and surgery.”

Patients have a number of options to strengthen the quadriceps before they undergo surgery. “Resistance biking on an upright stationery bike is one of the best things you can do to build or regain quadriceps strength,” says Dr. Skendzel. “Isometrics exercises are also great.”

What the research shows

“The data regarding the effect of pre-surgical therapy on recovery times and outcomes varies,” says Dr. Skendzel, “but there’s no question that commitment to a regular therapy program with a skilled therapist is key to optimal patient outcomes. For most motivated patients, success relies on a combination of ACL therapy sessions and therapist-guided exercises that patients can do at home between therapy visits. Regaining knee function takes work, but we are guiding our patients every step of the way to help them to the best possible outcome.”

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive sports medicine expertise

From Olympians to pro athletes to kids in youth sports and those that just want to be more active—Summit Orthopedics delivers expert care by fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians. If you are recently injured or concerned about ongoing pain, Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely help you get back to being active.

Start your journey to stronger, healthier athletic condition. Find your sports medicine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a sports medicine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, Plymouth, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.