Protocols for Redefining Rehab & Training

This protocol for rehabilitation after knee microfracture surgery is designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a general guideline for patient care with the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.

GOALS:

• Protect healing tissue from load and shear forces
• Decrease pain and effusion
• Restoration of full passive knee extension
• Gradually restore knee flexion
• Regain quadriceps control
• Reduce edema & pain

This protocol for rehabilitation after knee meniscus repair surgery is designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a general guideline for patient care with the AlterG Anti-Gravity.

GOALS

• Control inflammation/effusion
• Allow early healing
• Full passive knee extension
• Gradually increase knee flexion
• Independent quadriceps control

Physical Therapy prerequisites for excellent outcomes from joint arthroplasty surgery:

• Early patellar mobilization and knee range of motion will maximize function and minimize ROM restrictions.
• Early quadriceps retraining and strength training will allow the patient to utilize available range of motion to the fullest extent.
• Early pain-free weight bearing will maximize the potential for early return to full function.
• Decreased joint swelling and pain will reduce chances of developing complications during the rehabilitation process.

This protocol for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a general guideline for patient care with the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.

CLINICAL ASSUMPTIONS
Gait training/Neuromuscular re-education is an important part of ACLR at numerous phases during the rehab cycle:

• Phase I restoring early normal gait and functional quad control
• Phase II early single limb control
• Phase III introduction of ballistic movement

PHASE I (IMMEDIATE)
Week 3 post-op – Week 8 post-op
Self care management if approved by physician

Goals:

• Out of boot when pain free, usually at 8-10 weeks post-op
• No pain at rest
• Dorsiflexion to neutral

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Increasing pain in the foot or ankle
• Persistent edema/effusion
• Numbness or paresthesia to ankle, foot, toes

PHASE I (IMMEDIATE) Week 1 – Week 3 Goals:

• Reduce edema & pain
• Protection of ligamentous structures