Old Jamestown, MO

Old Jamestown, MO

Our expert team delivers individualized therapy to support your healing from ACL damage and get back to your favorite activities

ACL Rehabilitation in Old Jamestown, MO. Coping with an ACL injury is often overwhelming and challenging, but the right ACL rehabilitation program can be crucial in your recovery journey. At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize how challenging it can be to have your ability to move like you used to taken away. Our goal is to support you in regaining your muscle strength, flexibility, and confidence, so you can return to the activities you love, whether that means playing sports again or picking up your grandkids without pain.

With numerous locations across the Greater St. Louis region, our team of licensed Old Jamestown, MO physical and occupational therapists on average boasts more than 15 years of experience. We are committed to offering personalized therapy care tailored to your unique needs. Employing state-of-the-art treatment techniques, we work alongside you and your doctor to ensure the best possible outcomes for your recovery.

Prepared to begin your ACL rehabilitation journey? Get in touch with Axes Physical Therapy, make an appointment, or call the Axes location nearest you and initiate your recovery process. Let us assist you in returning to the activities you love with assurance and vigor.

Understanding ACL Injuries


Common Causes and Risk Factors

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a common knee injury common among sports enthusiasts and active people, typically caused by particular activities or impacts. During an ACL tear, the anterior cruciate ligament, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), gets overstretched and breaks. The ligament fibers can tear partially or completely, resulting in knee instability and reduced function. Understanding the typical causes and risk factors can help in preventing and managing these injuries.

  • Quick Deceleration and Changes in Direction: One of the most prevalent causes of ACL tears is rapid deceleration combined with a sudden shift in direction. These movements put substantial strain on the knee, rendering the ACL prone to tearing.
  • Direct Trauma: Direct blows to the knee, particularly from the side, may result in ACL tears. This is often seen with injuries in contact sports in sports such as football and soccer.
  • Higher Incidence in Females: Women are at a higher risk for ACL injuries due to structural differences such as a wider pelvis, increased ligament laxity, and differences in muscle strength and coordination.
  • Risky Sports: Participation in sports that involve frequent and quick reduction in speed, changes of direction, and jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and skiing, increases the risk of ACL tears.
  • Previous ACL Injuries: Having a prior ACL injury increases the likelihood of re-injury, especially if the initial injury did not fully heal or the rehabilitation process was incomplete.
  • Weak Musculature: Weakness in the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can increase the risk of an ACL tear. Strong muscles help stabilize the knee joint.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate cushioning or traction can result in slips and awkward movements that might result in an ACL injury.

By recognizing these common causes and risk factors, you can take preventive measures to protect your knees, such as participating in targeted strength training, increasing flexibility, and employing proper techniques during sports and physical activities in Old Jamestown, MO.

ACL Rehabilitation Old Jamestown, MO | Physical Therapy Near Old Jamestown | Rehab for ACL Injuries and Surgery

Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of an ACL tear is vital for quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment:

  • Popping Sensation: Many individuals mention hearing or feeling a “pop” in their knee at the moment of injury.
  • Pain: Immediate and severe pain often is associated with an ACL injury, making it difficult to continue activity.
  • Swelling: Swelling usually occurs within the first few hours after the injury as the knee joint experiences internal bleeding.
  • Loss of Range of Motion: The injured knee may experience a reduced range of motion, hindering the ability to bend or straighten the leg.
  • Instability: The knee may feel unstable or give way, particularly during weight-bearing activities, due to the lack of support from the damaged ligament.
  • Tenderness: The knee may be tender to the touch, especially along the joint line.
  • Inability to Bear Weight: Severe pain and instability often make it hard to stand on the affected leg.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, may occur due to lack of use and discomfort.

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of an ACL injury often includes a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques in Old Jamestown, MO:

  • Clinical Assessment: A physical examination by a healthcare provider entails tests like the Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test to evaluate the integrity of the ACL. You can visit Axes for a free injury screening (and initiate your ACL rehab with our Direct Access Physical Therapy.).
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI scan gives comprehensive images of the soft tissues in the knee, showing the presence and extent of an ACL tear.
  • Ultrasound: This imaging technique can be used to visualize the ligament and evaluate any damage.
  • X-ray: While x-rays do not reveal soft tissues like ligaments, they are used to identify any bone fractures that might have occurred during the injury.

Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for developing an effective treatment plan and guaranteeing optimal recovery in your ACL rehabilitation in Old Jamestown, MO.

Stages of ACL Rehabilitation in Old Jamestown, MO

ACL rehabilitation following an injury or surgery is a structured process that aims to restore function, strength, and stability to the knee. This process is typically divided into several phases, including preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, each with specific goals and activities designed to gradually improve recovery. Here are the key phases of ACL rehabilitation in Old Jamestown, MO:

1. Pre-surgery Preparation (Prehabilitation)

Goals:

  • Reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Achieve full range of motion, particularly the ability to fully extend the knee.
  • Build strength in the muscles around the knee.
  • Enhance proprioception and balance.

Activities:

  • Mild range of motion activities (e.g., heel slides, wall slides).
  • Muscle strengthening activities (e.g., quadriceps sets, straight leg raises).
  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to improve muscle strength.
  • Low-impact cardio exercises, such as swimming and cycling.

2. Immediate Post-surgery Recovery (0-2 weeks)

Goals:

  • Control pain and alleviate swelling.
  • Preserve the surgical repair.
  • Initiate early motion and muscle engagement.

Activities:

  • Utilizing ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling (POLICE method: Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
  • Gentle passive and active range of motion exercises.
  • Weight-bearing as tolerated, with crutches if necessary.
  • Ankle pumps, quadriceps sets, and heel slides.

3. Early Rehabilitation (2-6 weeks)

Goals:

  • Restore complete range of motion.
  • Begin to build strength and stability.
  • Achieve a normal walking gait.

Activities:

  • Progression of range of motion exercises.
  • Introduction of closed kinetic chain exercises such as mini squats and step-ups.
  • Balance training exercises.
  • Riding a stationary bike for gentle exercise.

4. Intermediate Rehabilitation (6-12 weeks)

Goals:

  • Build muscle strength and stamina.
  • Boost proprioception and stability during movement.
  • Commence low-impact cardiovascular workouts.

Activities:

  • Muscle-strengthening activities for quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes (e.g., leg press, lunges, hamstring curls).
  • Proprioceptive training (e.g., single-leg balance, balance board exercises).
  • Low-intensity cardio exercises (e.g., elliptical, swimming).
  • Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for some patients.

5. Advanced Rehabilitation (3-6 months)

Goals:

  • Enhance strength, power, and agility.
  • Prepare for return to sport or high-level activity.

Activities:

  • Explosive movement exercises (e.g., jump training).
  • Sport-specific drills (e.g., agility ladder, cone drills).
  • Incremental running program, initiating with jogging and moving to sprints.
  • Functional exercises replicating sport-specific motions.

6. Return to Activity (6-12 months)

Goals:

  • Resume sports or activities without risk.
  • Maintain strength and prevent re-injury.

Activities:

  • Maintaining advanced strengthening and explosive exercises.
  • Complete involvement in sport-specific training.
  • Sustained proprioceptive and balance activities.
  • Periodic visits to your Old Jamestown, MO physical therapist to review progress and modify the program.

Every stage of ACL rehab in Old Jamestown, MO, from pre- and postoperative rehabilitation to resuming activities, is vital for achieving a full recovery and avoiding future injuries. Adhering to a structured rehab program under the guidance of skilled physical therapists helps patients regain confidence and strength to return to their activities. For tailored ACL rehabilitation programs in Old Jamestown, MO, contact Axes today.

Role of Old Jamestown, MO Physical Therapy in ACL Rehabilitation


Personalized Rehabilitation Plans

Physical therapy is key in ACL rehab by delivering personalized rehab plans that cater to the individual needs of each patient. Every ACL injury is unique, and individualized recovery plans are essential for optimal results. Experienced Old Jamestown, MO physical therapists assess your condition, set realistic goals, and create a detailed plan that includes exercises, hands-on therapy, and modalities to promote healing and restore function.

Early Mobilization and Pain Management

At the beginning of ACL rehabilitation, physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and swelling while promoting early mobilization. Techniques such as cryotherapy, compression, elevation, and gentle range of motion exercises help manage pain and minimize inflammation. Early mobilization is essential for avoiding joint stiffness and promoting blood flow to the affected area, which supports healing.

Strengthening and Stability

As you advance through the stages of ACL rehab in Old Jamestown, MO, the priority becomes strengthening the knee-supporting muscles, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Fortifying these muscles is essential for knee stabilization and reducing injury risk. Physical therapists use a variety of exercises, including closed kinetic chain exercises like squats and lunges, to enhance muscle strength and joint stability.

Proprioception and Balance Training

Restoring body awareness—the body’s ability to detect movement and positioning—is a critical aspect of ACL rehabilitation. Old Jamestown, MO physical therapists integrate balance and coordination exercises to improve proprioception and decrease the risk of re-injury. These exercises may consist of balance boards, single-leg stands, and active movements that test the patient’s stability in a safe setting.

Advanced Functional Training

In the later stages of ACL rehabilitation, Old Jamestown, MO physical therapists concentrate on advanced functional workouts to prepare patients for a return to sports or daily activities. This includes activity-specific drills, agility training, and plyometric exercises that replicate the motions and stresses of the patient’s chosen sport or activity. Functional training guarantees the knee can cope with the demands and forces of real-life actions.

Ongoing Support and Education

Old Jamestown, MO physical therapists also provide ongoing support and education throughout the ACL rehabilitation process. We educate you on correct techniques, ways to prevent injuries, and why sticking to your rehabilitation program is crucial. Education empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery and maintain the health of their knee joint long after formal therapy has ended.

With the help of a skilled physical therapist in Old Jamestown, MO, patients can navigate the challenges of ACL rehabilitation more effectively, reaching full recovery and resuming their favorite activities. For tailored ACL rehabilitation programs and specialized care, visit Axes Physical Therapy.

Call Axes for Your ACL Rehabilitation in Old Jamestown, MO Today

Healing from an ACL injury can feel intimidating, but with the right ACL rehabilitation program in Old Jamestown, MO, it is achievable to regain complete function and resume your favorite activities. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are focused on delivering personalized, expert care throughout every phase of your recovery. Our experienced Old Jamestown, MO physical therapists use cutting-edge methods and tailored programs to secure the best possible outcomes for your specific injury, goals, and lifestyle. By focusing on building strength, enhancing stability, and functional training, we help you build a solid foundation for lasting knee health.

Prepared to begin your ACL rehab in Old Jamestown, MO? Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book a session or call the nearest Axes location. Let us help you achieve your recovery goals and stay active with confidence and strength.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.