ACL advice needed

To all of you parents that have had children with ACL injuries I need a little advice. My daughters surgery was in July and she has come a long way since then. Her ROM is better than before the accident. Her dr. doesnt want to release her until January but my DD is itching to get started. How much should I allow her to do in workouts? She's a pitcher and really wants to start working on getting her pitches back. I know the dr. has given her freedom to work on what she is most comfortable with. How did you start your kids back into softball after their injuries and what types of workouts did you use? Thank you so much for any advice.
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MY DD's Senior Project ( Report On Knee Injuries )!!

You better listen to your DR. the average recovery time on a torn ACL is 6-12 months, if you start back too early you could permanently injure the knee forever !!! Once the knee heals do strength training to help the ligaments withstand the abuse they take during sports !!! Remember once an ACL is torn there is usually a 75 to 85% chance with modern technology that the knee will ever be the same. Multi sports causes most knee injuries to girls namely basketball / soccer !!!

Guru

 

DO NOT START BEFORE YOUR RELEASED

Recovery from an ACL injury is takes time and hard work.

It is not just the area within the surgery that requires PT.
Your doctor should have talked about getting to minimum levels on stress tests on her hamstrings, etc.
Stay within the parameters your doctor has established for you.
A set back pushes you back to another surgery and year rehab...

I have seen too many kids try to come back early, and they have all paid the price.

Good Luck

 

Absolutely do not rush recovery. My daughter tore her ACL last spring. She has just now started playing again. She is wearing a custom fitted brace. Her Dr. told her and her coach not to and fortunately they both listened to advice. Yes she lost an entire year but, she is now ready to play. Three months of conditioning and hopefully she can take the field starting in Feb. when Elons season starts. I have heard of players starting too soon, reinjuring ACL and retiring from the game. Time off now may extend time on later.

 

Listen

Good advise has been given, ACL injuries are just a long process for recovery.
Work hard on building the muscles in you upper and lower legs, and the back and abdomen to protect from future injury. A trainer might be able to assist you will a work out regime.
Work hard on agility and conditioning and of course eat right and keep plenty of fluids in your body. I know you say why is that important! Your body needs all the above so it can function at a peak level and hopefully avoid injury.
Best of luck to your DD as she prepares for her return to softball.

 

I had the surgery 10 years ago, and rehabbed to the extreme (6 months). I have never had one ounce of problem, but there is a fear of returning at first.

I threw the brace away, and jumped in there. I'm not saying throw the brace away, but she has to jump in there to overcome the fear!

 

....I agree with Wndmllr.
IMO, not advice, I'd make DAMN sure that when you DD is back on the field, she is stronger than she was when she got hurt. That means getting her into a sports medicine Physical Therapy program.
Been there done that.
It sucks to be injured, but being patient with recovery is the key!
Hey Cheeze, Abbey, can ya'll reach back into the archives from last year and find the thread where a parent was asking for TBR to speak to a DD about this type subject?

 

Worst nightmare

I have seen two girls in recent years with torn ACL, both returned to action to soon, both re-tore the same knee within 2 months of returning to action before fully cleared.

Listen to your doctor.

Ty

 

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I do want to clarify a few things though. I would never and I mean NEVER allow my daughter to do anything that would jeopardize her recovery even if it meant she would wait a year to play or never play again. Her doctor has advised the importance of being careful and allowing her leg to heal. She has almost regained the strength in her leg and works very hard at it. My question was really to find out what the parents (especially pitchers) of acl repaired athletes allowed their dd's to do as far as workouts prior to being released. I have spoken with her doctor and he advised that she can do most anything as long as she doesn't pivot her leg. But again, I appreciate the advice of everyone and I understand the importance of patience in recovery. Thanks to all!

 

Last Thought !!

Let her do what her body tells her. A lot of times our body is our best gauge !! Guru