An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments inside your knee which provides stability and prevents the shin bone (tibia) from sliding forward. 70% of ACL injuries occur in the mechanism of non-contact valgus (inward-pointing of the knee) during landing or deceleration manoeuvres with poor body dynamics. (2)

ACL tear typically requires surgical reconstruction, which can lead to health issues such as early-onset knee osteoarthritis and increased risk of further knee injuries, therefore injury prevention is so important to reduce the incidence of injury. (1)

• Sudden change in direction (pivoting and cutting)
• Sudden stop while running
• Rapid deceleration while running
• Incorrect jumping/landing technique
• Contact sports, such as rugby and football

• Gender: Female
  -Wider pelvis which increases the valgus moment
  – Hormones causing ligament laxity
  – Smaller size of the intercondylar notch
• Imbalance in lower limbs muscles
  -Difference in quadriceps and hamstrings strength
• Previous ACL injury
• Participate in contact sports
  – Such as rugby, football or basketball
• Poor neuromuscular control
  – Faulty movement patterns

• Here are some examples of some simple exercises which you can do for lower limb strengthening.
  *Make sure your knees are in good alignment (not in a valgus position)

• ACL injuries usually require extensive physiotherapy rehabilitation for at least 6 months. A physiotherapist will assess and formulate an individualised treatment plan accordingly, which mainly targets these areas:
  • Pain and swelling control
  • Range of movement exercise
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Neuromuscular & proprioception training
  • Injury prevention training aiming for a correct landing
  • Return to sports
  • Psychological aspects

  It is important that you have a sound understanding of your condition and the appropriateness of these tools to be used in the first place. Our friendly and knowledgeable physiotherapists are more than happy to demonstrate to you how to use them and design a home exercise program tailor-made for you. Make an appointment with us online or drop into the clinic for a session today!

At Prohealth Sports & Spinal, we offer  two ACL rehabilitation plans for both non-surgical rehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation. Learn more about our ACL rehabilitation plans here.