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Physical Therapy & Recovery

Physical therapy is the key to a fast and successful recovery. The estimated time to heal after surgery is roughly nine through twelve months depending on a few factors. As time goes by, you will be cleared for certain sports with more rigorous ones later in the process. Physical therapy, also known as “PT” is similar to a gym where you have a personal trainer referred to as the physical therapist. She or he will take your information into account and help design a workout plan with orthopedics at the hospital you attend that is personalised for you. When first starting, it’s smart to have 45 minute sessions about twice a week for the first at least six months. After, PT might become less necessary depending on the recovery and it could possibly be shortened to once a week instead of twice. When first arriving, walking and weight-bearing would be practically impossible, so the alternative is to start easy and do basic exercises on the bench, (as shown in page 2) such as single leg lifts and mobility stretches. Leg braces are very important when healing. The first leg brace you receive will be giant and difficult to take on and off. After about a month to a month and a half when walking becomes easier, a smaller leg brace will be given for easy sports such as stationary biking or running. Nearing the end of recovery, when the finish line is in sight, a final brace will be personalised for you called the “sports brace”. The sports brace is decent sized and built to fit the geometry of your leg. The brace will be worn when doing any high impact or cutting/pivoting sports for about a year. As time goes by, you will notice that everyday tasks will become easier and easier. Confidence will be built and slowly, but surely, you will eventually return to sport, so don’t give up.