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 […]
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 […]
Where to Get Gear for ACL Surgery Recovery: Buy, Borrow, Rent, or Find a Loan Closet Recovering from ACL surgery often requires a surprising amount of gear. Crutches, ice machines, braces, elevated leg wedges, shower seats, and more. But where should you get it all? Fortunately, you don’t always have to buy everything new. Here are four main ways to […]
ACL Brace Types: Pre-Surgery, Post-Surgery, and Long-Term Use When managing an ACL injury, bracing plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee at different stages of recovery. Choosing the right type of brace depends on timing; before surgery, immediately after surgery, or during return to activity. Here’s a breakdown of the main types: Pre-Surgery Braces (Functional or Hinged Braces) Purpose: […]
Recovering from ACL surgery isn’t just about physical therapy, it’s also about what’s on your plate. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and rebuilding strength. Below are some some suggestions to consider trying to see if they might work for you. Warning! A word or more on Supplements! Food, herbal supplements, etc. are medicine. People […]
It’s challenging to even know where to start here. There are so many aspects to this. Just dealing with the pain alone, fear of loss of function, the challenges of the initial injury and certainly of initial recovery from surgery… perhaps some of the worst aspects are possibly loss of identity for those of us who deeply associate ourselves with […]
Let’s Talk Post Op Poop Does this topic really deserve it’s own page? Maybe not. But let’s just consider two realities. Why Constipation Post Op? It happens to almost everyone. Here’s why: It’s not unusual to go three, four, even five or more days without a bowel movement post-surgery. For many, it’s not just uncomfortable, it becomes a mounting (pun […]