KNEE REHABILITATION BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

 

Knee injuries range from minor strains to more serious injuries involving ligaments, menisci and cartilage.

They can occur as a result of sports activities, sudden changes of direction, awkward movements or direct impact and often require accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.

 

At PROGYM, rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, mobility, stability and movement quality while progressively preparing you to return to everyday activities and, when appropriate, sport.

 

COMMON KNEE INJURIES

 

LIGAMENT INJURIES

The most common include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL), which can be injured during sudden deceleration, changes of direction or contact.

 

MENISCUS INJURIES

Meniscus tears can occur during twisting movements, particularly when the foot is fixed.

 

CARTILAGE INJURIES

Damage to the joint cartilage can occur following acute trauma or as a result of degenerative changes.

 

TENDON INJURIES

Overuse can lead to tendon problems such as patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as jumper's knee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT

 

An accurate diagnosis and medical assessment are essential when dealing with a significant knee injury.

Depending on the condition, assessment may include an orthopedic examination and imaging such as MRI, ultrasound or X-ray.

Treatment and rehabilitation are determined according to the injury, surgery and recommendations of the treating medical professional.

 

PRE-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION

 

PREPARING FOR ACL SURGERY

Pre-operative rehabilitation aims to improve your physical and functional condition before surgery.

The goal is to help you enter surgery in the best possible condition and support a smoother recovery afterwards.

The program may include:

• strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings

• reducing pain and swelling

• improving knee mobility

• improving strength and muscle control

• preparing for the demands of surgery and rehabilitation

• education about the rehabilitation process and expected progression

 

POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION

 

Following ACL surgery, rehabilitation progresses through several stages.

The exact progression depends on the individual, the surgical procedure and the recommendations of the treating doctor or physiotherapist.

 

PHASE 1 — EARLY POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION

 

The initial focus is on:

• restoring knee range of motion

• reducing swelling

• regaining quadriceps strength

• improving the strength balance between the operated and non-operated leg

• normalizing walking

• maintaining upper-body and core strength

• gradually reintroducing basic strength exercises

• introducing cycling when appropriate

As recovery progresses, the program gradually prepares the athlete for running.

 

PHASE 2 — FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION

 

As strength and movement improve, training gradually becomes more demanding.

The focus may include:

• progression of running

• unilateral strength exercises

• explosive strength exercises

• progressive plyometric training

• coordination and movement drills

• acceleration and deceleration

• changes of direction

• sport-specific movement

• individual football drills when appropriate

The exercises and training load are progressively adapted to the individual's current abilities and stage of recovery.

 

PHASE 3 — RETURN TO SPORT

 

The final stage focuses on preparing the athlete for the demands of their sport.

Training progressively includes:

• higher-speed running

• single-leg jumping and landing

• multidirectional movement

• high-intensity changes of direction

• sport-specific drills

• progressive return to team training

• preparation for competitive participation

Returning to sport should be gradual and based on objective criteria, medical recommendations and the athlete's individual progress.

 

YOUR REHABILITATION IS INDIVIDUAL

 

Every injury and every person is different.

Rehabilitation is therefore adapted to:

• the type and severity of the injury

• the surgical procedure, if applicable

• current strength and mobility

• stage of recovery

• previous training and sporting experience

• individual goals

• recommendations from your medical team

The goal is not simply to complete a rehabilitation program.

 

The goal is to restore function, rebuild confidence and progressively prepare you for the demands of everyday life or sport.

 

READY TO START YOUR RECOVERY?

If you are recovering from a knee injury or surgery and want professional guidance through the rehabilitation process, get in touch.

We'll discuss your current situation and determine the most appropriate next step.

 

[ BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION ]