ACL Surgery: The First Week Post-Op The first week after ACL reconstruction surgery is one of adjustment, discomfort, and unpredictability. Some people bounce back with minimal issues, but many others find themselves surprised by how challenging the basics become. Most patients fall somewhere in between; coping with swelling, medication side effects, limited mobility, and emotional ups and downs. Some people […]
Strategies for managing pain throughout the recovery process. Post Injury – Pre-Surgery Pain management between the time of injury and surgery often focuses on reducing inflammation, protecting the joint, and maintaining as much comfort and function as possible. Initial strategies typically include the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, […]
Post ACL Surgery Pain Management Strategies for managing pain throughout the recovery process. Immediate Post-Operative Pain Managing pain effectively in the first days after surgery is crucial for comfort and early rehabilitation participation. During Your Surgery It’s likely that in addition to any general anesthesia used for surgery, that local anesthetics are used as well. Local anesthetics are intended to […]
Using the Bathroom After ACL Surgery Recovering from ACL surgery brings plenty of challenges. And one of the most under-discussed but important ones is simply using the bathroom. Pain, mobility issues, medications, and swelling all make this basic task a bit more complicated. Here’s a practical guide to help make your post-op bathroom experience safer, easier, and less painful. Support […]
Recovering from an ACL injury or surgery can significantly impact your ability to walk, stand, or navigate your environment. Proper use of mobility aids not only reduces pain and swelling but also prevents further injury and promotes a safer, faster recovery. There are actually a wide variety of mobility aids. Here’s a quick survey along with some basics about how […]
Sleep after ACL surgery can be surprisingly difficult. Many patients say the lack of sleep rivals the pain and swelling in terms of discomfort. The main issue isn’t always pain. It’s often the challenge of positioning, especially during the early recovery period. Why It’s Hard to Sleep There are several factors working against restful sleep: Tips for Better Sleep Here’s […]
After ACL surgery, maintaining basic hygiene can be difficult. You’re likely dealing with pain, limited mobility, and possibly strong pain medications—none of which make bathing easy. This guide offers practical tips to help you stay clean while staying safe. Pre-Surgery Prep: Make Life Easier Later Here’s an example of one setup with a shower seat. Now, you might have this […]
One of my happiest moments post surgery was about 10 days post op when I was able to sort of bend my leg just enough to put on my sock more easily than stretching all the way down to do it on a fully straightened and braced leg. Recovering from ACL surgery comes with its fair share of challenges. And […]
Using a TENS/EMS Unit for Quad Activation After ACL Surgery Regaining quadriceps strength after ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery is one of the most important parts of rehabilitation. One helpful tool that may assist in this process is a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) unit ,often sold as TENS/EMS devices. But while they can aid quad activation, they must be used […]
ACL Surgery: Understanding Post-Op Bruising Bruising after ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is a common concern. One of the most frequently observed patterns is bruising and discoloration that appears not around the knee itself, but further down the leg; typically on the shin, ankle, or even foot. Why Does Bruising Happen Below the Knee? Post-operative bruising in the lower leg […]