ACL reconstruction and Introduction

[infallible]

Hello,

Let me firstly introduce myself. I am 22 from the UK and have just recently undergone ACL reconstruction and had part of my meniscus removed. I have joined this forum to share my story but to also meet with others who can see how I am progressing as I like to here some feedback.

I tore my ACL and meniscus about a year ago and I finally had the operation on the 12th Novemeber 2010. So, pretty much a month ago.

Because I have Asthma the doctors won't let me take any anti-inflammatories. Therefore at the moment my knee is still quite swollen and I still have quite a bit of pain. Sometimes it is also very stiff to bend.

I can bend my knee to about 120 degrees and I can walk pretty nicely with hardly and limp. I just wanted to know how this is at this stage and if it is this normal to have pain sometimes quite alot. Also I go to PT once a week and I was wondering how often I should be doing the exercises. Like once a day or more or less?

Hope to hear from some of you soon.

[Heidi]

I think after a month you are doing ok. Obviously the anti-inflammatories would be helpful to reduce swelling and stiffness but you can bend your knee to a normal range and walk ok so after a month that's pretty good.
As for the PT, some exercises should be done regularly (more than once a day in some cases) and others less frequently. You should really discuss this with your physio. Generally mobility exercises should be done several times a day. Basic strengthening ones such as quad contractions etc may also be advised several times a day. Whereas more challenging strengthening exercises may only be recommended once a day.