Check out the new RAD Lab Podcast episode #3 here
After sustaining a serious knee injury it can be shattering not knowing what the next steps are for you. Dealing with the pain of the injury and unsure of when you will be back to your best.
We have helped over 100+ athletes through this journey - from the early stage and diagnosing the extent of the injury, to the early management and rehabilitation right through to end stage and returning to sport.
We understand the significance of time in ACL rehabilitation.
Our expert staff are committed to providing personalised care, and unwavering support throughout your journey to ensure a successful recovery.
Trust us to help you reclaim your strength, get back in the game, and achieve your comeback with confidence.
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Following the incident there will likely be 1000 questions buzzing around in your head. The first step is to book in with a Physiotherapist to assess the knee.
As a part of this assessment there will likely be a referral written to get an MRI scan done to confirm what the details of the injury are.
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Once the details of the injury are confirmed there are two pathways to consider - if you have surgery to repair the damage, or if it is managed conservatively.
In regards to surgery there are two main grafts used to replace the ruptured ACL, either a hamstring or quadricep graft.
Following the operation the key aims are to get the swelling down (lots of time with an ice pack and compression bandage), begin to regain range of motion and work on muscle activation in particular for quadriceps.
While we don't like to place a lot of load through the joint in this phase we like to use additional aids to assist in the rehab journey such as Compex (muscle stimulate)
Athletes typically come and see our rehab team 3-4 days post operation to get stuck into it all.
This phase really lays the solid foundation for future success. Starting to introduce load to lower body movements and focussing on muscle hypertrophy, often using aids like Blood Flow Restriction to assist with this.
Once the strength base is building low level plyometrics and running drills come into the program with the aim to be set up to begin running again once progressing from this phase.
Key aims:
- Regain Single Leg Balance
-Regain Muscle Size and Strength
-Single Leg Squat with Good Control
Throughout this phase it's time for things to be hard as we challenge the athlete to build their max strength. Plyometric drills keep progressing in difficulty in conjunction with their running volume.
It is also through this phase when lateral movement becomes a focus.
Key aims:
- Force Plate Tests <20% Limb Asymmetry
- Isometric Tests <20% Limb Asymmetry
- 505 Change of Direction <20% Limb Asymmetry
- Running Integration
Built off the foundation of all the previous phases the athlete can now begin to integrate back into training drills, initially non contact. In the gym the focus is on power and rate of force development helping set the athlete up for success in their sport.
Key aims:
- Force Plate Tests <10% Limb Asymmetry
- Isometric Tests <10% Limb Asymmetry
- 505 Change of Direction <10% Limb Asymmetry
- Single Leg Jump Testing <10% Limb Asymmetry
- Training Integration
The final block to tick off before returning to competition, contact drills and full training integration. In the gym once again the focus is on power and rate of force development ensuring they are fast and explosive when they get back to competition.
- The athlete should complete 4 weeks of full training with contact
- Force Plate Tests <5% Limb Asymmetry
- Isometric Tests <5% Limb Asymmetry
- 505 Change of Direction <5% Limb Asymmetry
- Single Leg Jump Testing <5% Limb Asymmetry
- Training Integration
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After any major injury there is always on going maintenance to ensure the athlete is reducing their chance of re-injury. Keeping up their quality strength and conditioning program plays a key roles in this.
How early can I start my rehab after major knee surgery?
It is dependant on the surgery, however after most traditional ACL repair surgeries, we can start rehab within a week of surgery.
How do I start?
Book an Initial Appointment with one of our Physiotherapists. Bring along any scans or surgeon reports and our Physio will take you through a thorough 60 minute session. After this, our Physio will design a rehab program for you based on your current function and your future goals.
Can I do it online?
Yes, if you are not located in Ballarat, all of our services and rehab programs can be delivered remotely. If you are from out of town, we also package up programs which include a face to face session with our coaches at the RADcentre when it comes to any major testing phases.
Do you cater for all knee injuries?
Yes, we cater for all types of knee injuries. Last year alone we helped over 100+ people regain function after a knee injury, ranging from short term to long term injuries.
The complete package to ensure you return to your best! Injury rehabilitation at RAD is about making sure we get the injured site back to full strength and performance, and at the same time ensuring that the whole body is ready to get back to your best.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Weekly Physiotherapy consult
Fully individualised program
All of your performance testing
Unlimited coaching24/7 gym access
Unlimited access to our recovery systems
On field running sessions
Discounted rates for Sports Dietitian and Myotherapy
INVESTMENT
$165 per week
(claimable through private health and sports insurance)
We empower athletes of all ages and abilities to improve their performance and wellbeing. We make athletes better
