PAIN:
You should not have pain any longer. If you are experiencing considerable pain you should let your doctor know.
DRESSINGS:
Continue to put sun-block on your incisions when out in the sun.
BATHING:
At this point you can shower, take a bath or swim whenever you want.
ACTIVITY, BRACE & CRUTCHES:
You can now start to jog. Take it slow and start off by just jogging 1 block and then slowly working your way up. Let your therapist know what you are doing so you can come up with a plan together. You may also go on a stationary bicycle, swim and use an elliptical machine. You may gently ride a road bike, but should avoid mountain biking. You may also start to golf. You should only swing with irons and not put much torque through the knee initially. My months 4-5 you can start to use a driver, but do not take a full swing until 6 months. It is essentially a gradual progression starting with slow, controlled iron shots at month 3 and moving up to full drives at month 6.
WHEN TO CALL:
You are past the point of most surgical complications. However, you should still call our office at (219) 921-1444 if you develop a fever greater than 101°F, calf pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, increasing pain that is not responding to pain medication, redness around incisions or knee, increased swelling, persistent bleeding or drainage, or drainage other than clear fluid or blood. If it is after hours, the answering service will contact the physician on call.
DRIVING:
You should be driving comfortably by now.
OTHER TIPS
- You make take anti-inflammatory medications now as you normally would have before your ACL surgery.
- Your therapy will continue to focus on strengthening your leg as well as agility and balance. If you are an athlete, sports specific activity will also be introduced to get you back to your game. You will work with your therapist and us to determine how much therapy you need and when you can transition to a home program. It is important to continue your home exercise program after your formal physical therapy finishes. You will notice that the muscles in your leg are much smaller than the other leg. This is very normal and takes some time to return to the way it was before your ACL injury and surgery.
NEXT OFFICE VISIT
Your next office visit will be at 6 months after surgery. Remember to ask your doctor or Physician Assistant about an ACL brace or any specific activity questions you may have. Your doctor may take x-rays at this visit. If this appointment is not scheduled, please call our office to schedule one (219) 921-1444.
Around this time your doctor may order you to do a functional test with your physical therapist. This is a test to evaluate assess your progress during your recovery. If your ACL was reconstructed using your own hamstring the tests will be at 3, 4, 5, and 6 months post op. If your ACL was reconstructed with your own patella tendon the tests will be at 4, 5, and 6 months post op. If your ACL was reconstructed with cadaver tissue or if you had a revision surgery the tests will be at 4, 5 and 6 months post op.