This selection of exercises is specially designed to effectively restore the anterior cruciate ligament and strengthen the muscular system of the leg being developed. Before starting these exercises, you must agree on the treatment with your doctor!

Clothing should be loose, and shoes should be removed. All exercises (especially the first days) should be performed smoothly and gradually. Remember the important principle: "Tolerate mild pain, do not allow severe pain."

You can start doing these exercises right away. The rest is only after your doctor has allowed the axial load.

knee flexion

Sitting on the floor with your feet straight in front of you. Bending the leg at the knee, slowly pull the heel of the leg being worked out towards the buttock, sliding it along the floor. Return to starting position.

Knee press

Sitting on the floor, the developed leg is straightened, and the free leg is bent. Slightly tensing the front thigh muscles, gently press the knee to the floor. Hold your leg in this position for 10 seconds. 2 sets of 15 reps.




Cruciate ligament rupture treatment

Today there are two methods: operational and conservative.

A conservative method, without surgery, is used in treating older people since they do not experience heavy daily loads. In medicine, articulated orthoses are used.

Athletes and young people with such an injury are treated surgically since the ligament does not grow together. A non-fused ligament does not strengthen the knee joint, resulting in knee instability.

Rehabilitation after cruciate ligament rupture

I must say that the rehabilitation of such an injury begins even before the operation. What is its essence? The first is the elimination of swelling of the joint and its inflammation. And then follows the work to restore the movement of the joint in full. The rehabilitation specialist prescribes exercises and monitors their correct execution. The first exercises should not call for pain. The number of exercises gradually increases daily, as is the load.

  • Rehabilitation of cruciate ligament rupture without surgery lasts about 6-8 weeks. Her program includes physiotherapy procedures: ice compresses, electrophoresis, and physiotherapy exercises.
  • Compresses relieve pain and swelling. And physical therapy strengthens muscles, develops joint movements, and stabilizes the knee joint.
  • During this period, you need to wear a special medical knee brace.
  • You can return to active life after the swelling of the joint passes and the knee stabilizes.

Rehabilitation after surgery

The general course of the rehabilitation period after the ACL reconstruction surgery consists of 5 stages. Each stage has its own goal and task. If results are achieved in one stage, only then proceed to the next.

  1. The first stage, which lasts 4-8 weeks, is to expand the joint's range of motion as much as possible, achieve walking without crutches, and reduce knee swelling.
  2. The second stage is to restore the full range of motion of the joint, completely remove swelling, establish control of the knee when walking, and improve the functioning of the thigh muscles. The second period of rehabilitation takes up to 2.5 months.
  3.  In the third stage, the main task is to improve the strength of the knee and muscles without pain, gradually return to the sport in which the person was engaged, and achieve the ability to run. Physiotherapy exercises are used with increasing loads and work on simulators that imitate a sport.
  4. Stage four - pre-training. Its goal is no pain, no swelling during exercise, a full range of joint motion, and maximum strength and endurance development. The rehabilitation period of the fourth stage lasts up to six months.
  5. And the fifth stage is the restoration of all the skills of sports specialization.

Causes of cruciate ligament rupture

A cruciate ligament tear can be called an injury to athletes.

It usually happens when a person turns sharply on a fixed leg. Injury can also occur with a direct blow to the knee. This often happens on the hockey field, while skiing and skating, and when playing football or basketball.

A meniscus tear and damage to the collateral ligament often accompany a cruciate ligament tear.

With such an injury, the knee loses its stability; it feels like it is "buckling."

First aid for a torn ligament

The first thing to do in case of such an injury is to apply cold. If possible, ensure the immobility of the knee joint and the leg completely, taking it into a splint from improvised materials or bandaging it with an elastic bandage. Bring your leg into an elevated position. And most importantly, contact a specialist.