physio problems with acl, lcl and postero lateral reconstruction

[chelsea86]

Hi I have had an lcl, acl and postero lateral corner reconstruction of my right knee on the 12th june 2008, but am having serious problems with my rehabilitation and physiotherapy. I have had nhs physio for about 2 months, but recently out of frustration saw a private physio, and he was amazed at my right knees lack of progress after 4 months. He especially cited the lack of hamstring strength and control I have. He tested me as he got me to try and go on my front and bend my right leg up to my bum, and while standing lift my right heel up to my bum or even half way. The thing that amazed him was that I could do not do any of those exercises successfully. The nhs physic’s have not introduced any hamstring exercises into my routine in 4 months. So the strength he said is non existent, I cant really walk properly and can’t climb stairs easily as I have not got full control of the right leg as I pull it up. He states that after 4 months that I should be doing some form of open chain exercises without any weight, he has got me to try and get my heel to my bum on the right knee for now and cycling.

Shall I do what the private physic states, as it was not stated by the nhs physio or the consultant because I rarely see him and have little contact with him, is it possible by activating the hamstrings and trying the hamstring exercises too early that I could damage the grafts especially the postero lateral corner. The private physio states that there is no danger because it the operation was on the 12th june nearly 4 months ago 16 weeks and that the ligaments are well on their way to being fully healed and there is no threat of stretching the ligament through non weight bearing open chain or to the integrity of the ligament.

Does anybody know whether this is right and what type of physic I should be allowed to do 16 weeks down the line.

[Mookie11]

Hii There!!

I had similar procedures on June 6th, so we are at about the same point. Here is where I am thus far. I can climb up the stairs without too much difficulty but can't go down without hanging onto the railing for dear life. I wasjust this week given the green light by my surgeon to "go for it" and do as much as I feel capable of doing in terms of exercises and physio including pool running, eliptical trainer, open and closed chain exercises, weights, and as much walking and cycling as I can handle. I know every surgeon has a different idea about how to rehab these areas, but I would strongly suggest you see if you can contact your sur geon for his best advice. From my experience, it is the rare PT who has any kind of clue how to rehab for the LCL and posterolateral corner and they will defer to whatever the surgeon thinks is best. If I were to categorize my personal progress, I would day it has been tenuous and cautious until now. There was no hamstring work until now either. I understand working the hamstrings too soon can affect the posterolateral corner reconstruction as well as the PCL. As for an answer to your question re which PT you should direct your attention to, I can't answer that one! Again, I think finding out from your surgeon would be best!

I am interested in your progress!!

Candace