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Starting your journey of ACL rehab can feel like navigating a complex maze. In this article I explain some of the key milestones for the early stage of ACL rehab.

Yet, mastering the early milestones in this process can make a big difference. It can mean a swift recovery or prolonged setbacks. Imagine being able to achieve full knee extension. Plus, manage your swelling, and mitigate pain.

These achievements speed up your return to normal function. They also reduce the risk of complications and reinjury. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle to navigate this path. This can lead to frustration and setbacks.

Common Obstacles in Early ACL Rehab
- Lack of knowledge about proper techniques
- Inadequate pain management strategies
- Failure to adhere to prescribed exercises
- Unrealistic expectations about recovery timeline

Despite these challenges, there's a roadmap to success and I am here to guide you through it.

Step 1: Achieving Full Knee Extension
It's crucial to regain full knee extension. This helps to prevent walking/running abnormalities and further stress on the joint (Buckthorpe et al., 2024). Begin by performing gentle quad sets, straight leg raises, and heel slides. Tools like a Compex can be helpful here to achieve better quad activation and knee extension (Stokes et al., 1985).

Step 2: Reducing Swelling
One common mistake is neglecting proper swelling management, which can impede progress. Ice packs can be a helpful tool to improve this. Compression garments can also be used in this phase. Ignoring swelling can prolong the inflammatory phase, delaying rehabilitation progress. Instead, focus on swelling reduction to increase healing and regain functionality.

Step 3: Pain Management and Progress
As you navigate pain during rehabilitation, each step brings you closer to your goal. By managing pain, you can get back to normal activities faster. It is also important to recognise that some pain can be normal. This is due to the nature of ACL surgery.

Conclusion:
These key milestones of early ACL rehab lay a solid foundation for a successful recovery. By prioritising full knee extension, you speed up the early rehab process. Although it's hard, it is worth it.

Next Steps:
Watch our free ACL masterclass to discover our 3 step system for getting you back to sport post ACL.

References

Buckthorpe, M., Gokeler, A., Herrington, L., Hughes, M., Grassi, A., Wadey, R., ... & Della Villa, F. (2024). Optimising the early-stage rehabilitation process post-ACL reconstruction. Sports Medicine, 54(1), 49-72

Stokes M, Shakespeare D, Sherman K, et al. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation and post-meniscectomy quadriceps inhibition. Int J Rehabil Res. 1985;8:248

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