Spend enough time in any Physiotherapy Clinic and you'll quickly discover that three of the most common questions asked by people who have Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery are:
- Can I eventually go back to my sport?
- How long after my ACL Surgery can I return to my sport?
- After doing all these months of knee exercises, will I need to wear a knee brace?
It is clear that those of us who want to return to sport after having an ACL reconstruction have a major concern about the risks of future ACL injuries. Let's face it: No one wants to tear their cruciate ligament twice. So one obvious idea is to wear a knee brace after a cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Now there has been plenty of speculation over whether a knee brace does in fact make any difference to the chances of incurring another ACL injury. You can ask your Physiotherapist, you can ask your Orthopaedic Specialist, you can ask your regular doctor, and you can ask your neighbour's dog. And you will always hear different views on the matter. Some believe it is of no benefit to wear a knee brace if the right rehabilitation program has been completed. Others say it is more a psychological issue, that when a person is wearing a knee brace they feel more confident and less at risk.
If you choose to wear a knee brace after your ACL reconstruction, it is important to be aware of the different types of knee braces available to you. There are some designed for wearing during specific sports or activities, and there are some that are made for use following certain types of injuries.
As someone who has personally had the experience of two ACL reconstructions, I am one of those people who chose to wear a knee brace when returning to playing soccer. At least for the first year of sport. It provided additional support to the knee joint as a whole as well as giving me more confidence. Depending on the type of activity or sport you are returning to, you will need to consider the following:
- Will there be any direct impact on the knee? eg. tackles playing football, falling over while skiing
- Will there be any twisting or turning involved? eg. playing netball or tennis
- Will there be any sudden changing of direction? eg. while playing squash or basketball
- Will there be a lot of bending? eg. during gardening or bowling
- Will there be any additional weight carried? eg. as a builder or removalist, during gym training or weight training
Being able to answer these questions will assist you in determining what type of knee brace will be the most suitable as you return to your favourite sport, hobbies, or work after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. As always, consult your knee specialist for advice on your specific situation.
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