Sarah is a very knowledgeable physiotherapist. Her positive attitude is helping me a lot during my long term ACL and MCL injury recovery. Every visit is a positive experience and I believe that with her help I will be able to do normal physical activities again.
- Pavlina T.
"in 3 weeks only we saw a big leap of improvement. "
My son Uday was struggling with his knee injury from last 7-8 months. He got injured during wrestling practice. Lauren was quick to understand the underlying problem and in 3 weeks only we saw a big leap of improvement.
- Vikram S.
"My issues were resolved."
I needed Physiotherapist for my torn Right knee MCL and ACL. Now, two months after my initial visit and after being discharged from Physiotherapy, I walk and climb stairs without any issues and I don’t need any more braces nor compression stocking. Thanks a lot!
- Mitko V.
Do you have an ACL tear? We can help you feel better faster!
Our Physiotherapists are your trusted partners in reclaiming your active lifestyle after an ACL injury. Our skilled and compassionate therapists will work closely with you to create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs. Through targeted exercises and techniques, we’ll help you regain strength, stability, and flexibility in your knee joint.
Our approach is not just about addressing the immediate pain; it’s about building a strong foundation for long-term wellness. Our therapists will guide you through a progressive program that includes strengthening exercises, balance training, and range of motion exercises. By doing so, we not only accelerate your recovery but also reduce the risk of future injuries.
Don’t let an ACL injury hold you back any longer. Contact us today, and let us help you regain your strength, confidence, and independence. Your journey to recovery starts here.
The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a ligament located in the knee that helps keep it stable. The ACL can be injured or torn during sports or activities that involve sudden movements, pivoting or twisting movements, or hits to the knee.
The anterior cruciate ligament can be injured or torn when it is harshly twisted in the wrong way. ACL tears are especially common in athletes, including those who participate in sports such as gymnastics, football, soccer, tennis, or downhill skiing. All these sports require sudden stops and changes in direction, making the risk higher for twisting the knee the wrong way and sustaining an ACL injury.An ACL injury is painful and debilitating. Those suffering from this type of injury typically experience severe pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and instability when trying to bear weight. Fortunately, our Bloor West Village and The Kingsway physiotherapy services can help treat your ACL injury and provide some much-needed relief.
ACL injuries can happen suddenly and without warning. The majority of ACL injuries, in fact, are non-contact injuries that don’t actually involve a direct hit to your knee. Here are some common causes of an ACL injury:
Cutting or pivoting maneuvers, when an athlete plants a foot and suddenly shifts direction
Landing awkwardly from a jump
Stopping suddenly
Participating in certain sports such as soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, downhill skiing, lacrosse, and tennis
Women are more likely to have an ACL tear than men
Having poor neuromuscular control or muscle imbalances
Receiving a direct blow to the knee
If you participate in activities that involve sudden movements, jumping, pivoting, landing, or stopping suddenly, you may be at risk for an ACL injury.
Women are 2.8 times more likely to face an ACL tear playing sports than men due to a number of anatomical features of female bodies and hormonal factors.
Young (adolescent) female athletes who play sports such as soccer, basketball or gymnastics are at the highest risk of ACL tears. Soccer players are more likely to injure their ACL than any other sport.
The best treatment for an ACL injury depends on how severe the injury is and what your specific needs are.
Treatment options may include rest, ice, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications,, or surgery. Less severe injuries may not require surgery.
Whether you choose to have surgery or not, rehabilitation is extremely important to ensure you fully regain your range of motion and strength. After an ACL injury or surgery, A physiotherapist will help you get moving again and teach you exercises to reduce pain, decrease swelling, and strengthen the muscles around your knee as well as in your core and glutes so you can reduce your risk of reinjury when you play again.
A knee brace can be helpful in the early stages of your injury to help support your knee so you feel less pain and are more stable when you walk.
A custom ACL brace can be helpful in the later stages of your rehab when you’re ready to return to your sport again. This type of brace can help provide additional protection to your knee and can also help athletes who are afraid to return to their sport.
Rehabilitation after an ACL injury or surgery is extremely important. A physiotherapist who specializes in treating ACL injuries will help you regain your motion and teach you the best exercises to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Reducing swelling and pain
Regaining range of movement, strength, and stability
Decreasing joint effusion
Achieving goals week by week
Teaching exercises to reduce pain and swelling
Strengthen the muscles of the knee (hamstrings and quadriceps)
Strengthening your core and glutes to reduce strain on your ACL when you run, jump or play your sport
Knee bracing can be helpful in managing ACL injury in several ways.
In the early stages after an ACL injury a knee brace can provide support to your knee so you feel less pain, feel more stable and walk more easily.
A custom ACL brace can be helpful in the later stages of your rehab when you’re ready to return to your sport or activity again. A custom ACL brace designed for sports and activities can:
Prevent primary ACL injury, reduce reinjury, or failure after ACL surgery
Stabilize your the knee during everyday activities and sports
Help you return to your sport by Improving your confidence in your knee
Provide medial and lateral support to the knee,
Help to reduce the risk of reinjury by reducing excessive inward collapse or rotation of your knee that can happen during running, jumping and pivoting
The recovery time for an ACL injury depends on how severe your injury, whether you’ve had surgery or not, as well as the specific post-surgical protocol outlined by your surgeon. It’s important to follow your doctor’s and physiotherapist’s instructions carefully to ensure full recovery and avoid reinjury
Research shows that 26% of non-contact ACL injuries could be prevented by specific exercise programs. .At PhysioPlus Health Group, we’re dedicated not only to helping you recover from your ACL injury, but we are also able to help you prevent injuries from occurring in the future.
Preventing ACL tears involves being aware of your movements during sports and exercise, and strengthening exercises to target key muscles that improve your lower body mechanics and reduce strain on the ACL.
To prevent ACL tears, you can:
Practice good technique
Avoid working out while overly fatigued
Develop muscle groups evenly
Jump, land, stop, and move with your knees directly over your feet
Never let your knees collapse inward
Develop strength in the muscles around your knees, hips and core
Wear proper footwear
Use proper equipment
Warm up before exercising or playing sports
Avoid playing on uneven surfaces or in poor weather conditions
Includes neuromuscular training in your strengthening program
Our Bloor West Village and Kingsway physiotherapists will conduct several tests to gauge your injury risk and develop a specific exercise program to target your areas of weakness so you can reduce the strain on your ACL and reduce the risk of injury.
After diagnostic tests and physical examinations are complete, our physiotherapists will design a specialized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Your treatment plan may include a combination of methods, including manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or targeted exercises, all aimed at providing relief and rehabilitation.
f you are suffering from an ACL injury, contact PhysioPlus Health Group today to schedule your initial appointment. We will get you started on your path toward recovery and long-lasting relief!
Choosing the right physiotherapist can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
A brace in the later stages of your rehabilitation, as you prepare to return to play, can help protect your ACL graft from harmful forces that occur during sports and activities. Bracing also improves confidence, allowing you to return to your previous or enhanced level of activity.
Another important reason? Peace of mind. A functional knee brace provides not only confidence for the patient but confidence for the surgeon, knowing that their patient’s knee is protected.
Our braces are made from lightweight materials and are specifically designed for sports and activities.
There are a number of braces to choose from, with a variety of features designed to help protect your knee. Our bracing specialist can help you choose the brace that’s right for you.
Can You Walk With a Torn ACL?
Walking with a torn ACL is possible, but it can be painful and may cause further damage to the joint. After the pain and swelling subside, and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs, and potentially jog in a straight line. However, it's important to avoid turning, twisting, or pivoting on the knee, as this can lead to buckling or further injury.
How Do I Know If ACL Surgery is Necessary?
Whether ACL surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's needs. Surgery is usually recommended for active adults who are involved in sports or jobs that require pivoting, turning, or hard-cutting, or who perform heavy manual work. Older patients who have previously been excluded from consideration for ACL surgery may also be considered. However, not all ACL injuries require surgery, and nonsurgical options may suffice if the knee is stable.
It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
