Spend enough time in any Physiotherapy Clinic and you will quickly discover that three of the most common questions people who undergo Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery ask are:
- Can I finally return to my sport?
- How long after my ACL surgery can I play sports again?
- After doing all these months of knee exercises, will I have to wear a knee brace?
It is clear that those of us who want to return to sport after ACL reconstruction have great concerns about the risks of future ACL injuries. Let’s face it: no one wants to tear their cruciate ligament twice. So an obvious idea is to wear a knee brace after a cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Now there’s been a lot of speculation as to whether a knee brace really makes any difference to your chances of sustaining another ACL injury. She can ask her physical therapist, she can ask her orthopedic specialist, she can ask her regular doctor, and she can ask her neighbor’s dog. And she will always listen to different points of view on the matter. Some believe there is no benefit to wearing a knee brace if the proper rehabilitation program has been completed. Others say it’s more of a psychological problem, that when a person wears a knee brace they feel safer and less at risk.
If you decide to wear a knee brace after ACL reconstruction, it’s important to be aware of the different types of knee braces available to you. There are some that are designed to be worn during specific sports or activities, and there are some that are made to be worn after certain types of injuries.
As someone who has personally experienced two ACL reconstructions, I am one of those people who choose to wear a knee brace when they return to play soccer. At least for the first year of sports. It provided additional support to the knee joint as a whole and gave me more confidence. Depending on the type of activity or sport you return to, you will need to consider the following:
- Will there be any direct impact on the knee? e.g. tackles playing football, falling while skiing
- Will there be any twists or turns involved? e.g. play netball or tennis
- Will there be any sudden change of address? e.g. while playing squash or basketball
- Will there be a lot of flex? e.g. when gardening or bowling
- Will any additional weight be carried? e.g. as a builder or remover, during gym training or weight training
Being able to answer these questions will help you determine which type of knee brace will be best for you when you return to your favorite sport, hobbies or work after an ACL reconstruction. As always, consult your knee specialist for advice on your specific knee situation.