PT Inquest 396: Is 9 Months the Sweet Spot for ACLR?
May 13, 2025
Is nine months really the ideal recovery time for male athletes after ACL surgery? The hosts dive into a study that questions this conventional wisdom, advocating for a more tailored approach to rehabilitation. They explore the challenges of safely returning athletes to their sport, emphasizing the need for physical performance benchmarks rather than strict timelines. From discussing various graft options to the impact of surgical techniques, the conversation highlights the nuances of ACL recovery and the evolving landscape of sports medicine.
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Nine-Month Return Not Key
- The nine-month return-to-sport mark after ACL reconstruction lacks inherent significance on its own.
- Passing physical performance criteria matters more for successful and safe return to sport.
Gradual Return To Sport
- Return to sport happens as a slow, graded process integrated with practice and drills earlier on.
- Set clear expectations that full competition readiness usually comes well after initial practice integration.
AMI Is A Conceptual Symptom
- Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a conceptual symptom linked to swelling and pain, not a distinct complication.
- It lacks a standardized diagnostic scale and is prevalent after knee surgery.