Rollerblading injuries are common. We know what you must be thinking. When am I going to get back on my rollerblades after recovering from ACL surgery? It’s best to stay off the rollerblades to make a full recovery. Here is what happens in the full recovery process upon getting better from ACL rollerblading surgery.
How Can People Injure the ACL in Rollerblading?
Bending at certain angles may be the reason why some ACL incidents occur. For those who are just starting out with the activity, be aware that accidents can happen. Falling is not fun. Wear knee pads, a helmet, and elbow pads at all times in order to prevent a serious injury.
The Recovery Process
After you have finished resting up it is recommended that rollerbladers jump right back into the activity. Giving up your best passion is not the road to go on. Get consent from a doctor first to see if you are ready to start rollerblading again.
How long Should I Stay Off the Blades?
It is never any fun when that ACL injury cuts into your rollerblading time. For those whose life centers around rollerblading or any sports that have to do with the nature of rollerblading it is best to let your ACL mend.
The post-surgery rehabilitation method is very important and requires a minimum of 6-7 months of rest before you get back on the rollerblades. According to evidence in studies, results have shown that returning to contact sports prior to this time increases the re-tear risk of the ACL.
Why is The ACL Important in Hockey?
The ACL is crucial to implementing security to the knee for twisting, pivoting, and cutting activities. When an athlete tears their ACL, the knee can actually somewhat dislocate with a significant twisting episode.
Will Anything Be Different?
You may find that you rollerblade differently after the ACL surgery.
- Some movements you will be unsure about. It is nothing to worry about. In some sense, it’s like learning to rollerblade all over again. Stunts like jumping or lower stances drills are not as easy to maneuver. Take it easy when going back into rollerblading. Most importantly, don’t rollerblade for long hours
- Your quads may be weaker in the leg that had surgery. The other knee that didn’t get surgery is a lot stronger so you end up pressing more weight into it.
- Try out jam reffing to get you back into the bouting form. As other rollerblades have noted, the stance gets you back in the swing of things, helping you get into the right headspace. Bouting form also and makes it easier for rollerblading teams.
What Happens if I Do Rollerblade with an ACL Tear?
Most athletes who skate on the ice make this decision. We’ll tell you upfront, that it is not a good idea to do to your body. You can only worsen the injury from their forcing permanent damage to the ACL. More than 50% of athletes who try to play through a season with a damaged ACL have been reported to have either torn menisci or damaged cartilage.
What Should I Not Do After ACL Surgery?
- Walk
- Run
- Swim
- Ride a Bike
- Extend Your Knee
Three Weeks After ACL Surgery
Crutches are necessary for those who have ACL surgery. Without these double legs, walking is going to be very hard. For the first three weeks after you have had ACL surgery, patients work on getting their field of motion back. Avoid doing any twists, turns, and pivots. They also work on the reactivation of their quadriceps muscles.
The Straight Leg Raise
In most research, studies have found that patients who exercise the motion of extending their knee out straight immediately after surgery tend to have a much quicker return to function.
It’s very important to be aware during these first few weeks, ACL patients should be full weight-bearing but need to remain on crutches until they can walk without a limp. Once patients can achieve a straight leg raise without an extension sag at the knee, they can regularly progress off crutches.
In the Weeks Following (About 6 weeks)
For the first six weeks after surgery, patients should refrain from doing any extensive lifting, twisting, turning, or pivoting. These exercises take a minimum of six weeks for the bone connecting to the ACL graft to heal. The bone tunnel is created to replace the injured ligament.
Can I Still Exercise During The Recovery Process?
As long as it not vigorous exercise, it is recommended that you stay active. Because the bones are on the mend, you should not sit on the couch the entire time.
Between 6 and 12 weeks, you should progressively increase your activities to include stationary bicycling, using an elliptical machine, and doing leg presses as tolerated. This is what most athletes do in their time of recovery. Towards the end of the 12-week time frame, you may work on exercises that are more involved. It is recommended that you work on a balancing program with a physical therapist in order to improve.
How Will a Physical Therapist Help Me?
Nobody should ever be afraid to seek help. We cannot do this alone. The physical therapist will assist you on a number of different levels specifically helping you make walking on your hurt knee bearable in six weeks’ time. Let your therapist help you. Most athletes don’t want to seek help from a physical therapist as they don’t want to feel vulnerable. Here is how a physical therapist will help you.
- First, physical therapists conduct an evaluation and review your health history. It is important to truthfully tell them how you injured your ACL and how much pain you are in. Then starts the healing process.
- Oftentimes, you may not need surgery to repair your ACL. Physical therapists note whether you need to or not. If surgery is waved, then the therapist will work on restoring muscle strength and balance
- After this examination, the therapist will conduct a specific treatment program which includes the following example exercises.
- Bearing Weights
- Icing and Compression
- Bracing
- Movement Exercise
- Electrical Stimulation
- Strengthening Exercises
- Balancing Exercises
Should I Have Surgery on my ACL?
Unless you have been carefully evaluated by a physical therapist and found to have a very stable knee, it is still recommended that you have an ACL reconstruction performed prior to returning to hockey. This surgery ensures the reduction of the risk of long-term damage to your knee.
Another factor to think about in the decision to have surgery is how unstable exactly is your injured knee joint? How easily does it give out and how loose is the joint? Can you function properly with a torn ACL? All knees do not depend fairly upon the anterior cruciate ligament for the maintenance of proper mechanical joint function.
The 6 Month Celebration Mark
Once six months have arrived, give yourself a pat on the back. About six months of rest, ACL patients usually have a full return of their strength and function. That means that athletes who compete in skating sports can go back to the game. However, if athletes pass agility, balance, and overall strength tests, they are allowed to get back to full on-ice activities.
What Can I Do to Make a Speedy Recovery
For those who are eager to get back on the rollerblades quickly here are some tips that you should follow:
- Follow all the instructions of your physical therapist
- Perform all the exercises given to you
- Always be truthful to your physical therapist
- Take all medications
Returning to Rollerblading After The Recovery Process
Once you have rested your ACL for the allotted time, it is time to slowly get back into the sport. Although most people are different in the recovery process you should never overdo it. About six months of rehabilitation, an athlete usually has a full return of their strength and function. In the long run, if the athlete passes agility, balance, and overall strength tests, we allow them to get back to full on-ice activities.
Can an ACL Tear Happen Again?
That is difficult to answer. The short answer is that everyone should always be careful. Most athletes who return to skating need to be very careful because the risk of tearing their ACL grafts is very high if they return to activities prior to nine months postoperatively.
It is important to make sure that you are suitably restored and have the strength and balance necessary to return to on-ice activities without re-injuring your reconstruction graft. Nobody wants to spend another six months off their skates.
Is Skating Good for the Knees?
Skating is actually a great source for those who are recovering from knee injuries. For those looking to exercise regularly, roller skating may is an excellent option to consider. Compared to exercises like running or jogging, roller skating is an excellent alternative, as it implements the same aerobic benefits while causing less joint pain.
