Anterior cruciate ligament ACL
Signs or Symptoms
Pain in the knee with instability
Description
Injury to this ligament occurs when the person suddenly pivots causing
excessive rotational forces on the ligament. Other causes are severe trauma and
work injuries. When the injury occurs, the person will usually describe a
feeling of the knee giving out, or collapsing. They also say they hear a pop.
Causes
Sever trauma is the most common cause. However, there can be slow stretching of
the ligament due to repetitive stress caused by other mechanical factors related
to improper ankle foot knee muscle function or pelvic mechanical defects.
Standard treatment
Rest, bracing and exercises to increase muscle strength. If the tear is great,
then surgical repair is done.
AK Approach
In an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament you will usually find other
supporting ligaments, muscles, and skin being damaged. Treatment begins by
assessing exactly which structures have been injured and then directing
appropriate therapy to those injured structures. The second phase of therapy is
to reestablish normal muscle coordination and strength. Again, there are a
number of different techniques that can be used. Testing is used to prepare a
specific program for your needs.