ACL Rehabilitation: Early Focus on Range of Motion and Strength

ACL reconstruction (ACLR) outcomes can be challenging, with only 80% of recreational athletes returning to sport, and just 65% reaching pre-injury levels. Early-stage ACL rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving these outcomes and reducing the risk of ACL re-injury.

Key Takeaways:

  • Range of Motion (ROM): Achieving full knee extension early post ACL surgery is vital. This helps reduce swelling, improve pain, and prevent complications like the “cyclops” lesion. Flexion should reach 110-120° by 4-6 weeks to allow for stationary cycling and other functional exercises post ACL Surgery.
  • Quadriceps Strength: Quadriceps strength and muscle activation are significant challenges after ACL Reconstruction. Early resistance training, including isometrics and open-chain exercises, is recommended to rebuild muscle strength and activation. Strategies like neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or blood flow restriction (BFR) can aid in restoring strength.
  • Fitness Preservation: Maintaining overall physical fitness during the early phase is crucial. Engaging in safe strength training for the uninjured limbs, core, and upper body helps athletes stay conditioned while recovering after ACL surgery.

What Physiotherapists Can Do: By focusing on ROM exercises, carefully planned strength training, and cardiovascular fitness, we can help athletes regain mobility and strength more effectively, ultimately improving their chances of returning to sport at a high level. Early, individualised rehab protocols are key to long-term success.

If you have had a recent ACL reconstruction surgery or awaiting ACL surgery, book in with one of our consultants to create a plan to improve range of motion, strength and prevent complications post ACL Surgery. We can assist you returning safely back to your sport or activity

TPC

ACL Surgery Return to Sport and Risk of Re-Injury

Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction is a significant milestone, but rushing back too soon from ACL surgery may increase the risk of ACL re-injury. A systematic review explored whether time to return to sport (RTS) is a key factor in second ACL injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Athletes who suffered a second ACL injury returned to sport about 25 days earlier after ACL surgery than those who returned to sport later.
  • The evidence linking earlier return to sport after ACL injury with a higher risk of re-injury is low in certainty, because timing alone may not fully explain re-injury risks. There are many factors involved but it’s an important fact to keep in mind when returning to sport after ACL surgery.

What This Means for Athletes: While the study suggests a slight increase in risk for athletes returning to sport after ACL surgery sooner, it highlights that ACL re-injury is influenced by multiple factors, not just timing. This emphasises the importance of using both time and functional performance as criteria for safe return to sport.

Physiotherapists’ Role: Physiotherapists should guide ACL patients through a balanced recovery, focusing on both time post ACL surgery and rehabilitation progress including strength, control, power, confidence etc. It is crucial to have collaborative decision-making between clinicians and patients, using individual progress and functional tests, ensures safer return to sport and lowers the risk of ACL re-injury.

Remember, taking the time for proper healing and recovery is key to long-term success in preventing ACL re-injury. At the physio crew we create individual plans to ensure you are confident and safe when returning to sport after ACL surgery.

To book with our clinicians, call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 or book online.

TPC

How Physical Therapists Structure Injury Prevention Programs

Sports Physiotherapist Sports Physiotherapy

A recent international survey of sports physical therapists, provides insight into how injury prevention programs are designed and implemented. Physical Therapists play a critical role in preventing sports injuries, yet there is no universal approach to creating effective Injury prevention programs.

Key Findings:

  • Best Practices Followed: Most Physical therapist consult scientific literature and collaborate with performance teams, including coaches and physicians, to create multifaceted injury prevention programs addressing modifiable risk factors to the athlete.
  • Custom Approaches Vary: Around 52% of physical therapists tailor injury prevention programs to individual athletes, while others create subgroup-specific or generic programs such as plyometric programs or hamstring strengthening etc.
  • Prevention Methods: Injury prevention programs created by physical therapists commonly focus on components like load management, recovery, warm-ups, and sleep. However, not all components are consistently implemented.

Challenges: The biggest barriers to effective injury prevention program implementation is a lack of time in athletes’ schedules, along with limited support from athletes and coaches.

Takeaway for Physiotherapists: Despite variability in methods, Physical therapists are actively using evidence-based strategies to prevent injuries. A balanced approach, combining generic and individualised exercises, could be the key to fitting injury prevention programs into athletes’ schedules and maximising effectiveness.

At The Physio Crew our Physical Therapists use the latest research to address patient strengths, weaknesses and barriers to create effective injury prevention program that they can easily implement. To create your injury prevention program, book an appointment with one of our physical therapists on 9116 8691.

Exercise for Sarcopenia in Older Adults: What Works Best?

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, is becoming more common as people age, affecting nearly 30% of those over 60. Sarcopenia can reduce quality of life, increase the risk of falls, and can lead to disability in the older population. So, what’s the best way to manage sarcopenia? Importantly, how can physiotherapy help? A recent study reveals that exercise is key.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Resistance Training is Essential: To improve muscle strength and quality of life, resistance exercises are the most effective for sarcopenia.
  2. For Balance and Mobility: Adding balance exercises, especially for improving walking speed and mobility, yields the best results.
  3. Aerobic Exercise for Sit-Stand Ability: Aerobic exercises are particularly useful for improving sit-stand abilities.

What This Means for Physiotherapy Practice: Incorporating resistance training should be at the core of any exercise plan for sarcopenia created by your physiotherapist. Adding a balance component will help with walking and movement, while aerobic exercises can boost endurance and sit-stand function. For optimal results, nutrition can also play a supportive role.

In summary, tailoring exercise programs based on specific goals—strength, balance, or endurance—can help older adults better manage sarcopenia. Our well equiped gym facility at Carlton and Tullamarine allow our patients to perform their individual programs with the guidance of their physiotherapists. Our physiotherapist aim to keep our clients active, independent and improve their quality of life.

To book an appointment with our physiotherapists and create your exercise plan, call our friendly staff on 9116 8693.

TPC

How People with Chronic Low Back Pain View Exercise?

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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common issue many people face at some point in their lives. This study explored how individuals with chronic low back pain perceive different exercises—whether specific (targeted for their low back pain) or general (exercise for general health) — to better understand their beliefs about what helps their low back pain.

Key Findings:

  1. People with chronic low back pain viewed specific exercises, like core-focused movements, as more beneficial than general exercises. However, this perception doesn’t match current research, which shows both exercise types can be helpful for managing low back pain.
  2. Participants’ beliefs came from various sources, including interactions with healthcare providers, which highlights the strong influence clinicians have on shaping patient perceptions.

Implications for Physiotherapists: As physiotherapists, understanding patient beliefs about exercise is crucial in managing their low back pain. While research shows no specific exercise is superior for chronic low back pain, addressing these beliefs can help guide treatment plans. Engaging in conversations about patient expectations and explaining the benefits of both specific and general exercises may improve adherence and outcomes in managing chronic low back pain.

At the physio crew we help create individual plans based on your beliefs and expectations. We can utilise a range of exercises from back-specific core and hip exercises to general strength and conditioning.

TPC

How Bench Press Technique Affects Shoulder Injury Risk

Bench pressing is a popular strength exercise, but it comes with risks—particularly to the shoulders. A recent study examined how variations in bench press technique can impact shoulder load and potentially reduce injury risk.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Technique Matters: Narrower grips and retracting the scapula during bench presses significantly lower the load on the shoulders, reducing the risk of common injuries like rotator cuff tears and clavicle issues.
  2. Personalisation is Key: Adjusting the bench press technique to fit individual needs can enhance both safety and performance.

Physiotherapist’s Perspective: As physiotherapists, it’s essential to incorporate these findings into both injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. By fine-tuning bench press techniques—like encouraging narrower grips or scapular retraction—we can help athletes reduce shoulder strain and prevent injuries. This personalised approach ensures safer and more effective strength training, allowing for quicker recovery and long-term injury prevention.

If you want to take your strength training to the next level, book in with one of our specialist Physiotherapists who can assist you in achieving your health goals.

TPC

Entering your running era? Time to strengthen the legs from the top down!

The popularity of running has boomed over the past couple of years with many people entering their running eras and joining up at the local run club or signing up for their first race. If you’re someone who is curious about starting but don’t know where to start or are worried about the potential for injury, here’s how we can help.

A recent study of 325 novice runners found that dedicating 20-35 minutes, twice a week, focusing on the strength and control of both your hip and core muscles significantly reduced the incidence of running related lower limb injuries compared to static stretching over a 24 week period. There are many factors involved in injuries, however a structured lower limb strength and core program it did help this group avoid overuse injuries on a week to week basis and kept them available to train across the 24 weeks. This meant that these individuals spent less time away from running due to injury and more time achieving their goals. 

In summary, the incorporation of specific hip and core exercises are keys for success for runners and here at The Physio Crew we can help tailor a specific exercise program to suit your needs and goals so that you can smash that next 5km, 10km or even half marathon!

Book in a time with our physiotherapists on 9116 8691 to create your strength and running program, just in time for spring and summer.

TPC

Frozen shoulder: How to live with the restriction

Adhesive Capsulitis commonly known as ‘Frozen shoulder’ is a debilitating condition that most commonly effects individuals aged from 40-65. It is usually a painful condition associated with loss of shoulder range of motion (ROM). This condition usually presents in a 3-stage process, Freezing, Frozen and Thawing.

Key Takeaways:

Stage 1: Freezing: A progressive and slow onset of pain that usually lasts from 6 weeks – 9 months, where the shoulder loses motion as the pain worsens.
Stage 2: Frozen: This is where the shoulder seems to be stuck with its ROM however, there usually is a slow decrease in pain which lasts from 4-9 months.
Stage 3: Thawing: Shoulder ROM starts to slowly return to normal, this can take any time from 5-26 months.

Key findings:
The number one complaint for individuals with frozen shoulder is pain. Frozen shoulder has a massive impact on an individual’s normal life with impacts to their emotional and psychological health. Frozen shoulder in its history has been poorly diagnosed and managed.

How these findings apply in practice?
If patients are in the “Freezing” stage of their Frozen shoulder, then we need to respect their pain as this is real pain and was reported to be the number one complaint from individuals. We also need to be using our skills of pain management and trying to gentle aim at improving ROM. It also highlights the need for skilled physiotherapists as a Frozen shoulder needs to be diagnosed and acted on quickly. 

If you are suffering from Frozen shoulder, cal our friendly staff to book in with one of our physiotherapists who can assist you in regaining your movement and function.

Navigating Low Back Pain: Understanding the Journey to Recovery

Low back pain (LBP) affects millions worldwide, shaping treatment approaches and outcomes. A recent systematic review sheds light on the clinical course of LBP, offering insights crucial for effective management.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Acute Phase (< 6 weeks): Significant pain reduction occurs within six weeks, setting a positive tone for recovery.
  2. Subacute Phase (6-12 weeks): Initial improvement slows down, emphasising the need for escalated care in patients showing slow recovery to prevent chronic pain.
  3. Persistent Pain (12 – 52 weeks and above): Individuals with persistent pain face a challenging trajectory, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to prevent long-term disability.

Understanding the Study: By analysing acute, subacute, and persistent phases separately, the study offers a more accurate picture of the clinical course.

Key Insights:

  • Pain Outcomes: Acute and subacute phases show large improvement, while chronic pain groups face ongoing challenges.
  • Disability Outcomes: Disability outcomes showed a large reduction in the acute phase and is observed across all phases, albeit less favorable for persistent pain groups with large variability in outcomes.

Clinical Implications: The study’s findings highlight escalated intervention in the acute and subacute phase is crucial to identify modifiable factors and prevent progression to chronic pain.

As we navigate the complexities of LBP management, this study emphasises the importance of tailored interventions at each phase of the journey. As Healthcare professionals we can optimise outcomes and empower patients on the path to recovery.

If you are suffering with acute or chronic low back pain book in with our Physiotherapists to achieve the best outcome and return to your favourable activity.

TPC

Ankle Recovery with Ankle-GO: A Proven Path to Return to Sport

ankle injury ankle pain ankle sprain ankle roll

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common in sports, often leading to lingering long-term issues, such as chronic ankle instability. The Re-injury rates can be as high as 70% in high-risk athletes and sports.

The Ankle-GO testing combines patient-reported measures and functional tests to guide athletes back to the field with confidence.

Key Takeaways :

  1. Lateral ankle sprains are extremely common in sports, with staggering rates of re-injury and nearly 40% going on to develop chronic instability.
  2. Ankle-GO steps is a comprehensive tool, predicting return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes and aiding in decision-making for athletes recovering from Lateral ankle sprain, focusing on pain severity, impairments, and functional performance.

Study Insights:

  • Testing and Measures: Ankle-GO includes four functional tests and three patient-reported outcome measures
  • Functional tests: include single leg stance variations, modified star excursion balance test (Y balance ), single leg hop test, figure 8 test.
  • Patient reported outcome measures: Foot and ankle ability measure (FAAS), sport, ankle ligament reconstruction return to sport index (ALR-RSI)

Clinical Implications: Ankle-GO provides a roadmap for return to sport for athletes battling lateral ankle sprains. Its simplicity, reliability, and prognostic power make it a valuable addition to sports rehabilitation, especially for more severe sprains.