Do You Need Surgery Before ACL Rehab? An Edmonton Physiotherapist Explains
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can affect daily movement, sports participation, and overall knee confidence. Many people in Edmonton who experience an ACL injury wonder whether surgery is required before starting rehabilitation. The answer is not always straightforward. In many cases, ACL rehab Edmonton can begin before surgery or even replace surgery altogether, depending on the individual situation. This article explains when ACL surgery may be recommended, when rehabilitation alone may be appropriate, and how physiotherapy supports recovery at every stage. Understanding an ACL Injury The ACL is one of the main ligaments that helps stabilize the knee. It plays a key role in controlling forward movement and rotational stability. ACL injuries often occur during sports or activities that involve sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. Common signs of an ACL injury include: Knee swelling shortly after injury A feeling of instability or “giving way” Pain with wei...