Diary of Physio Patient: An ACL Injury ~ Part 2

In this four part series, Physiotherapist James Pearce discloses his own feelings, concerns and frustrations as he underwent his own knee reconstructive surgery.

As a physiotherapist who routinely consults and treats many people with ACL injuries, when I ruptured my own ACL, I decided to write this blog and give an insight into the recovery and rehabilitation process from a physiotherapist’s perspective.

In this second installment of my four part series, I discuss my frustrations in trying to get back to normal and in post-op restrictions: 2-weeks to 3-months.

Having had my two-week follow-up with Dr MacDessi and knowing all initial signs were good, I knew the hard slog had begun. I had the next few months to build up my strength, balance and agility with my next main goal to prepare myself for running. As Dr MacDessi had repaired my meniscus rather than removed the torn part I was still restricted in what rehabilitation exercises I could do. The benefits of meniscal repair are that it can reduce the chances of arthritis in the future. It does however mean much slower progress initially. Dr MacDessi was happy for me to flex my knee as much as I could actively but did not want me to bend it past 60 degrees in weight-bearing for 12 weeks’ post-surgery.

By 3 weeks post-op (June 6 – June 12) I was now back into the swing of things at work, starting to rebuild my caseload and get a lot busier in the clinic. Whilst I enjoyed being busy this did take a toll on my knee. By lunch time and the end of the day my leg would begin to feel heavy and I would notice a significant increase in my swelling at the end of the day compared to the start. I was still wearing my compression stocking and icing when I got the chance as well as taking the prescribed anti-inflammatories however my knee wasn’t appreciating the load on it.

Around the four-week mark (June 13- June 19) you can usually start to increase the strengthening component of the rehab. For me, my biggest focus this week was getting rid of my limp. I find it very interesting how for the best part of 30-years I walked without a limp and now my brain and body wouldn’t let me walk normally again. It caused a few arguments at home so I decided I would get Jason and Michael to help me fix it. I paraded up and down the corridor at Kareela whilst they both laughed and critiqued me. The boys realised I wasn’t flexing my hip enough and walking too stiff legged (two very common compensations post-surgery – as it makes the knee feel more stable) so I walked up and down that corridor to more laughter until I managed to get it better. It took so much concentration to do so, but I knew I needed to get proper biomechanics back.

I returned to driving in the 4th week also. I drive a manual normally and although it was my right leg I swapped cars with Mum and took her Auto so there was less to concentrate on. Driving itself wasn’t a problem. I had enough strength and knee ROM to use the brake and accelerator. The main issue was my knee didn’t like being in a fixed flexed position for more than 15-20 minutes. Any longer than that and it began to ache. Getting out of the car after 30 minutes of driving and my leg did not want to straighten and my limp returned. It was however great to get my independence back.

By week 6 (June 27 – July 3) I was ready to start some single leg balance work. As I was still wearing my ROM brace at work to prevent my knee bending as the stability and control around my knee was poor. I now began single leg calf raising, single leg balance on the ground and Bosu, some stability work with theraband also. It was really challenging just standing on my right leg with my arms crossed and near impossible to do it with my eyes closed.

I decided after the 6th week I should do away with the brace. Although it was helpful to restrict my knee bend in weight-bearing I needed to focus on knee stability and that wasn’t happening in the brace. I felt a little lost without it at first, not having the safety blanket and my knee certainly felt a little wobbly at times. Within a couple of days, I realised my knee was starting to cope a lot better and I felt stronger.

Following the removal of the brace my knee continued to gain momentum. I was growing in confidence and the knee started to move and feel normal. I still had a severe lack of strength in both my quadriceps and hamstrings but my walking and standing endurance was increasing. The bike was my best friend.  Since there is no real load through the knee with stationary bicycle I was riding that almost daily. It was a good way to get my knee moving, feel some fatigue in my knee and also raise my heart rate. After close to two months without exercise I was desperate to do some.

By around the 10-12 weeks mark (July 25th – August 14th) I was very frustrated and bored with my rehab. My knee was feeling pretty good but still weak and I was limited in what I could do. I was completely sick of my basic inner range quads exercises, ¼ squats and hamstring curls. I must admit in this two-week period I was very slack with my rehab and was just counting down the days to that 3-month mark.

Finally, it was the 15th August and my restrictions were over! I was free to begin loading my knee in ranges greater than 60 degrees flexion. I was really excited, as previously mentioned I was getting extremely bored with my rehab at this point. Now was when the rehab would get interesting and I could start to begin deep squatting and single leg exercises. I was also closer to my main aim of running again.

If you have any questions regarding the management of an ACL injury or to discuss prevention strategies specific to your sport, consult with one of the Physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy. Please contact our Caringbah practice on (02) 9540 9400 or our Kareela practice (02) 9528 2200.

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m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
Tim merchant
Tim merchant
06:42 23 Apr 24
Really inviting staff, always ready to help. They know what they are talking about and facilites are wonderful.
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams
10:55 03 Apr 24
best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
G G
G G
16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
Lara Mangelli
Lara Mangelli
08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
Judith Gifford
Judith Gifford
06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
Georgia Manos
12:08 13 Dec 23
The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
06:36 13 Dec 23
The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
Luke Payne
Luke Payne
22:05 12 Dec 23
Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
Diane sutton
21:58 12 Dec 23
I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
Nicole Simpson
10:53 12 Dec 23
Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
BERGE GABO
BERGE GABO
09:28 12 Dec 23
"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
Corinne Favaloro
04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
Nicole Di noia
Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
Steve Chidgey
Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
Angelina Mastoris
Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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