By Kate Da Silva, Physiotherapist at SportsCare and Physiotherapy Barton & Bruce and recipient of a revision ACL reconstruction and medial meniscus repair.
No doubt you’ve heard of an ACL, but what is it? The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of five main ligaments in the knee and is responsible for keeping the knee stable when doing any twisting or pivoting activities. The meniscus is a fibrocartilage ‘washer’ like structure that sits between the bone of the knee joint to help with shock absorption. I have experienced first-hand a revision ACL reconstruction, and it is the second time I have had this surgery. I had my first ACL reconstruction in 2011.
You hear about ACL injuries resulting from sports like AFL, netball, basketball, and soccer. They are common in change-of-direction sports that require twisting and pivoting. These injuries also require surgery and 9-12 months of rehabilitation. An ACL injury can be devastating for an athlete as usually means missing an entire season or up to a year of competition.
As a physiotherapist, I have guided many clients through ACL rehabilitation and am aware of the process of rehabilitation from both a personal and client perspective. ACL rehabilitation occurs in stages – it is very goal focused, and you can only progress to the next stage when certain goals are achieved. Working with clients to help them achieve their goals and get back moving and playing the sports they love is a very rewarding experience.
Find out more about ACL injuries or contact us to book an appointment.