Ligament injury management

• Ligament Injuries - Advice and education:

  • Discuss ligament healing times - can be longer than patients expect
  • Encourage weightbearing as pain allows
  • Will require active engagement to reduce swelling and regain knee function
• Ligament Injuries - Symptom control:

  • Swelling management - ice, compression and elevation
  • Pain – joint protection and/or analgesia (via qualified provider)
  • Crutches may be required initially
• Ligament Injuries - Build capacity:

  • Address:
  • Restriction in joint movement
  • Strength deficit
  • Control/ balance/ proprioception
  • Apply clear evidence based principles of exercise dose and progression
  • Adhere to relevant orthopaedic protocols
• Ligament Injuries - Return to function:

  • Advanced rehab
  • Functional/ sports specific exercise
  • Increase load
  • Consider appropriate level and time for return to function (particularly with high performance activities)