Ligamentous Knee Injury Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for an isolated low grade ligament injury of the knee typically focuses on reducing pain and swelling, restoring normal range of motion, and strengthening the muscles around the knee to improve stability. Here's a general outline of the stages and components of rehabilitation for a ligamentous knee injury:
Acute Phase (0-72 hours):
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the injury.
Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce pain and swelling.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage or knee brace to help control swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the injured leg above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
Early Rehabilitation (1-6 weeks):
Range of Motion (ROM) exercises: Perform gentle exercises to regain full knee range of motion.
Strengthening exercises: Begin with isometric exercises (muscle contractions without movement) for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
Proprioception exercises: Improve balance and joint position sense through activities challenging balance and stability
Controlled weight-bearing: Gradually progress weight-bearing activities as tolerated.
Intermediate Rehabilitation (6-12 weeks):
Progressive strengthening: Incorporate resistance exercises to further strengthen the muscles around the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
Functional exercises: Integrate activities that mimic daily tasks or sports-specific movements to improve overall function and stability.
Agility and balance training: Implement drills and exercises to enhance agility, coordination, and dynamic stability.
Advanced Rehabilitation (12 weeks +):
Sport-specific training: Gradually reintroduce activities and movements specific to the individual's sport or activity.
Plyometric exercises: Incorporate jump training and other explosive movements to improve power and neuromuscular control.
Return-to-sport testing: Perform functional assessments to ensure readiness to return to full activity.
Throughout the rehabilitation process, it's important to progress gradually, listening to your body, and avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort. Working with a physiotherapist can provide personalised guidance and supervision to optimise recovery and minimise the risk of reinjury.
