Pre-Operative Physiotherapy (also known as Pre-habilitation) involves working through a tailored, Physiotherapist-designed exercise program to improve your strength and function before surgery. Exercises are targeted toward muscle weaknesses and limitations in the movement to optimize joint function and prepare the joint for surgery.
There is strong evidence to support the benefits of getting as fit as possible before operations. Exercises to build up the muscles ahead of an operation can have very beneficial effects on postoperative recovery. Similarly, following surgery, timely and effective rehabilitation can be key to making the best possible recovery.
Pre-operative Physiotherapy or before Cruciate Ligament Rupture Surgery
Suppose a person has a knee injury during exercise therapy, and an MRI scan of the knee is performed on the recommendation of an orthopedic surgeon. Results are prepared: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, and the doctor’s recommendation for the repair of the injury is surgery.
What to do to prepare for surgery? One of the things that can be done before surgery is for anterior cruciate ligament tears. Refer to a physiotherapist for physiotherapy treatments to treat anterior cruciate ligament rupture before surgery.
Research shows that preoperative physiotherapy helps improve postoperative outcomes.
Physiotherapy for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
The anterior cruciate ligament protects the knee by preventing it from sliding forward on the tibia. Anterior cruciate ligament torsion occurs when the knee suddenly rotates, usually with the sole on the ground.
This condition can occur when a person starts running fast or when they land on the ground after jumping.
Signs and symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament sprain include:
- knee pain
- Swelling in the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee completely
- The feeling of knee instability
If a person is suspected of having a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, it is necessary to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment strategy.
To check for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, your doctor may perform special tests, and an MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Sometimes the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament rupture is conservative and includes physiotherapy and exercise, and sometimes it is more aggressive and involves surgery.
Not everyone with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture needs surgery.
The function of many people is fully preserved despite a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The ligament is easily repaired and the range of motion of the knee and the endurance of the knee are fully restored.
The problem is that strenuous activity and exercise can be difficult, especially if the exercise requires jumping up and down or changing direction quickly while running.
In these cases, the injured knee may not be able to withstand the force. People who want to return to high-level exercise can seek help for ligament repair surgery.
The doctor helps the person choose the best treatment.
Anatomy Of The Patella Of The Knee
Pre-anterior Cruciate ligament rupture physiotherapy program
In the case of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and the need for surgery, it is necessary to ask the doctor about the possibility of participating in the pre-surgery physiotherapy program.
A physiotherapist can assess a person’s condition and prescribe the right exercises to help improve range of motion, endurance, and mobility.
The components of a physiotherapy program before anterior cruciate ligament surgery are:
- Exercises to improve knee range of motion
- Exercises to improve the endurance of the quadriceps and back thigh muscles
- Balance and depth sense exercises
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle function
- Treatments to control swelling of the knee joint
- Neuromuscular exercises include learning how to properly jump up and down and stabilize the knee while participating in high-level sports and activities.
The main goal of preoperative physiotherapy is to restore maximum range of motion, endurance, and stability to prepare for anterior cruciate ligament repair surgery and get the best results.
Benefits of After and Pre-operative Physiotherapy
The physiotherapist will provide important information about the type of surgery, the effect it has on the body, and the steps that will help to achieve better results.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, running, or exercising in the water will improve your fitness and activity.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are prescribed to improve joint and bone function.
Sometimes, doing these exercises can cause some pain. But a physiotherapist will prescribe light exercise.
Special Exercises to Improve the Range of Motion
This group of exercises helps to improve joint function and movements. And allow the joint to move in all directions.
Doing these exercises will reduce pain, improve joint flexibility, and improve strength and balance.
Stretching Exercises for Pre-operative Physiotherapy
Doing stretching exercises will relieve muscle stiffness, control joint pain, and improve their range of motion.
The physiotherapist will recommend other complementary methods, such as hot and cold compresses, massage therapy, braces, and walking equipment. Because it controls pain and improves his ability to move.
The Role of Exercise for Pre-operative Physiotherapy
Why is it necessary to do Pre-operative Physiotherapy before anterior cruciate ligament surgery? Will the patient’s knee be injured by surgery, swelling, pain, and reduced mobility?
Research shows that working on a range of motion, endurance, and neuromuscular control before surgery leads to long-term positive results.
Taking the time to maximize knee mobility before surgery can lead to better postoperative results.
Keep in mind that each person is different, and their injuries and needs are different.
Understanding the benefits of preoperative physiotherapy can help you make the right decision about each individual’s unique condition.
If the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee is torn, it is necessary to consult a doctor to find the best care plan.
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture does not require surgery in some people. In others, surgery may be needed to maximize post-injury mobility.
The effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes
When it comes to pre-anterior cruciate ligament physiotherapy, one needs to have an understanding of the results of research.
This helps guide the decision-making process for doing or not doing physiotherapy.
A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine examined the long-term effects and practical outcomes of patients undergoing physiotherapy and those who did not attend physiotherapy sessions.
The researchers found that patients who received physical therapy were able to return to exercise more quickly. They also scored higher on the knee assessment tests.
These positive features persisted for up to two years after surgery. The practical results in the knee of patients participating in physiotherapy are better reported.
2 years after surgery, patients who received preoperative physiotherapy were better than others.
Another study showed that 12 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament rupture repair surgery, the test results in which patients had to jump on one leg were better than in patients who attended physiotherapy sessions.
This test is a tool to measure an athlete’s readiness to return to exercise after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
Patients who participated in this study also scored higher on knee assessment tests than those who did not attend physiotherapy sessions.
