ACL Injury

ACL Injury

ACL Injury

ACL Injury

ACL Injury

An anterior cruciate ligament or usually called ACL damage can be a life-changing phenomenon, but especially for athletes or active individuals. In Sterling physiotherapy, we understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with ACL damage. Our dedicated team provides you with extraordinary care to help you fix your confidence and achieve Re-Achieve, whether your goal is to get back into the game or improve daily mobility or just get back to your normal painless life. We are here to help you with ACL damage treatment, recovery and relief in Hamilton.

Understanding ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important ligaments of the knee joint. It provides stability by preventing excessive forward movement and rotation of tibia (shinbone) in relation to the femur (femur). ACL injuries often occur during sports or activities that include sudden stops, directional changes or jumping. Simply put, when this anterior cruciate ligament is stretched, overdraft or demolition, ACL is damaged.

Types of ACL Injuries

  • Grade 1 (Mild): The ligament is stretched but not torn, causing mild discomfort and instability. This may not affect your daily life but certainly some tasks that may include occasional pain episodes.
  • Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament, leading to noticeable pain, swelling, and instability. Inflammation often needs some heat-ice therapy and other modalities that can provide temporary relief but our physiotherapists always focus on the root cause by entering into your lives vicariously so, they can focus on the scope of your treatment and relief plan.
  • Grade 3 (Severe): A complete tear of the ligament, often accompanied by significant pain and inability to bear weight. This cannot be ignored and have to be taken seriously by the patients. Rigorous physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, laser therapy and synergies of all modalities not inlcluding exercise plan provided by your physiotherapist needs to be followed to get back to on your feet and live pain-free life again. More sessions and serious consistency is required when it’s severe ACL injury.  

 

Common Causes of ACL Injuries

  • Sudden Changes in Direction: Rapid pivoting or twisting motions. That may be required in a standing, packing or food serving job, playing sports requiring sudden quick movements may lead to ACL injury.
  • Landing Incorrectly: Poor technique during jumps. When playing sports our physiotherapists provide the correct posture instructions to follow to avoid such injuries during jumping in sports.
  • Direct Impact: Collisions or falls that put stress on the knee. This may be during playing sports or an accident or sudden fall.
  • Overextension: Hyperextending the knee joint. This usually happens when playing sports and not warming up correctly before starting to play.
  • Weak Supporting Muscles: Insufficient strength in the hamstrings or quadriceps increases the risk of injury. Strengthening and conditioning for sports is what our physiotherapists are experienced in and advise for each athletes or weekend warriors that’s active in sports come to our clinic.

Symptoms of ACL Injuries

If you suspect an ACL injury, look for these common symptoms:

  • Popping Sensation: A loud pop at the time of injury.
  • Severe Pain: Especially when trying to move or bear weight on the knee.
  • Swelling: Rapid swelling within the first 24 hours.
  • Instability: A feeling that the knee may “give way.” Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

Comprehensive Treatment Options at Sterling Physio

Our physiotherapy services include:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility. We take great pride in our manual manipulation techniques at Sterling Physiotherapy because we don’t only rely on modalities, we believe in hands-on physiotherapy to see results.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted programs to rebuild muscle support around the knee. Once our physiotherapists have relieved the pain, we ask our patients to consistently follow the strengthening exercises plan that has been provided to our patients in order to keep the progress up!
  • Stretching Routines: Designed to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness. Our physiotherapists would provide you with the stretching routines and plans that you can follow at home and before any major workouts or play sessions.
  • Gait Training: Correcting walking patterns to reduce strain and improve alignment. We dig deeper and leave no stone unturned to provide you with gait, posture and alignment. Our physiotherapists may also refer you to chiropodist and recommend use of custom bracing or custom orthotics to support your joint and feet.
  • Electrotherapy: Modalities such as ultrasound or TENS to alleviate pain and swelling.

Chiropractic adjustments can:

  • Improve joint alignment for better biomechanics.
  • Reduce tension in surrounding muscles and tissues.
  • Enhance the body’s natural healing processes.

For patients who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery, we provide:

  • Gradual strength-building programs.
  • Range-of-motion exercises to regain flexibility.
  • Functional training to prepare for a safe return to activities.

Our personalized programs are designed to:

  • Address specific recovery goals.
  • Strengthen the knee and surrounding muscles.
  • Prevent future ACL injuries.
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Why Choose Sterling Physio for ACL Injury Treatment?

Here’s why patients trust us for sports injury care:

  • Experienced Practitioners: Our team specializes in treating sports injuries for athletes of all levels.
  • Comprehensive Care: We combine physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and advanced therapies for optimal results.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Using cutting-edge treatments like BioFlex laser therapy and shockwave therapy.
  • Personalized Approach: Tailored care plans based on your sport, goals, and injury.
  • Convenient Locations: Serving the Mississauga and Etobicoke communities.
  • Proven Success: Helping countless patients recover and return to their active lifestyles.

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