Ligament sprains in the knee are a common injury seen in athletes, and can range from mild sprains to more severe injuries, such as ACL tears. As a sports rehab specialist, our goal is to effectively manage these injuries from an evidence-based perspective and return athletes to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible.
Return to play protocols for ligament sprains typically involve a phased approach, beginning with early intervention to control pain and swelling, followed by a rehabilitation program to restore strength, stability, and range of motion in the affected joint. It is important to implement an effectively scaled program that consistently ramps up intensity and demand, while also making sure that all other joints and muscles in the area remain active during recovery. At APC, we utilize Blood Flow Restriction Training early on to be able to challenge the surrounding musculature of the knee, while still keeping loads low enough to facilitate healing of the ligaments.
This holistic approach helps to address any imbalances or dysfunctions in the affected area, as well as improving overall function and reducing the risk of re-injury. By taking this individualized approach, we can help our patients achieve good outcomes and return to their desired activities with confidence.
