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Controversies in the Technical Aspects of ACL Reconstruction pp 513–525Cite as

Criterion-Based Approach for Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction

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Abstract

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction occurs in five phases – impairment resolution, return to running, return to agility training, return to jumping, return to sports-specific drills, and return to practice. During rehabilitation, physical therapists should be focused on resolving all range-of-motion impairments and inflammation early, followed by progressive training for strength, neuromuscular control, and athletic performance. Decisions to progress activity should be based on healing, performance, and movement quality. Ultimate return to sports should consider performance, confidence, and risk for reinjury. This chapter outlines an approach to rehabilitation that builds on foundational exercises and concepts to return an athlete to their desired level of physical function. Hallmarks of this program include its low reliance on specialized equipment and generalizability across clinical settings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy & UPMC Centers for Rehab Services, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Andrew D. Lynch PT, PhD

  2. Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA

    Kathleen Cummer PT, PhD

  3. Lemieux Sports Complex, UPMC Centers for Rehab Services & Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Club, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Rick Joreitz PT, DPT, SCS, ATC

Authors
  1. Andrew D. Lynch PT, PhD
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  2. Kathleen Cummer PT, PhD
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  3. Rick Joreitz PT, DPT, SCS, ATC
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew D. Lynch PT, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Medical Science in Sports, Osaka Health Science University, Osaka, Japan

    Norimasa Nakamura

  2. Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Stefano Zaffagnini

  3. Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    Robert G. Marx

  4. UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Volker Musahl

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© 2017 ISAKOS

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Lynch, A.D., Cummer, K., Joreitz, R. (2017). Criterion-Based Approach for Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction. In: Nakamura, N., Zaffagnini, S., Marx, R., Musahl, V. (eds) Controversies in the Technical Aspects of ACL Reconstruction. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-52742-9_47

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-52742-9_47

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-52740-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-52742-9

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