Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL Tear)

Injuries to the ACL are relatively common knee injuries among athletes. It mostly occurs in individuals who play sports involving rotation such as football, basketball, soccer, etc. Like any other ligament injury, it can range from mild (such as small tears/sprain) to severe (when the ligament is completely torn). ACL tear can occur in both contact and non-contact injuries, and the incidence rate is higher in females than males.

Characteristics/ Clinical Presentation

• It often occurs after a cutting maneuver or single-leg standing or jumping.
• audible pop or crack at the time of injury
• A feeling of initial instability, which may be masked later by extensive swelling.
• Episodes of giving way, especially on pivoting or twisting motions. 
• Swelling of the knee, usually immediate and extensive, but can be minimal or delayed.
• Restricted movement, especially an inability to fully extend the knee.
• Tenderness at the medial side of the joint, which may indicate cartilage injury.

Risk Factors for developing ACL Tear

• Female sex. 
• The rate of ACL injuries is three times higher in female athletes than in males.
• Participation in certain sports
• Previously torn ACL
• Age

Physiotherapy Management of ACL tears:

In the York-med physiotherapy our registered physiotherapists and chiropractors will design a physical rehabilitation program for you that consider your level of normal activity, physical fitness and extent of your ACL tear. The A rehab program should include:

• Flexibility exercises.
• Strengthening exercises.
• Endurance activities.
• Coordination and agility training