4. Difficulty Stretching the knee
As you might recall, one of the primary functions of the ACL is to facilitate the smooth rotation of the knee. When an ACL tears, this function is compromised and even the slightest stretch of the knee is met with agonizing pain. It is important to note that overstretching the knee is one of the many causes of an ACL tear and it is understandable that after the injury, victims find it difficult to bend the knee.
However, there are several ACL rehab exercises that help restore this crucial function of the knee especially if the injury was mild. Severe damage to the ligament, on the other hand, might require surgery after which the patient will begin physical therapy. The rehabilitation process aims at among others, minimize pain and swelling of the knee, restore normal walking pattern, achieve full extension of the knee and initiate single leg control.
