Post-Op MPFL Reconstruction Physical Therapy

When you undergo MPFL reconstruction surgery, recovery can be an intense and lengthy process. Like many surgeries, the post-operative phase is a crucial part of your recovery process. Post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensure that you make a speedy and complete recovery. Physical therapy can play an especially important role. After surgery, physical therapy can help with regaining strength and range of motion.

What is MPFL reconstruction?

MPFL is short for the medial patellofemoral ligament. This is a structure that works to keep the patella (the kneecap) stable. It can help prevent the patella from being dislocated. Severe injuries can damage and rupture the MPFL, which can require surgery to address. Some athletes participate in strenuous activities and high-impact sports. These people can be at a higher risk for this kind of injury.

MPFL reconstruction is a surgical procedure. The goal of this procedure is to replace the damaged ligament with a new graft. This procedure involves a surgeon removing scar tissue. The surgeon can then secure the new graft to the patella. Some MPFL injuries can heal on their own without surgery. However, severe injuries may require surgical intervention. A successful MPFL reconstruction can help restore functions lost in an injury. However, there can be continued symptoms to address even after this surgical procedure. Post-operative physical therapy can be an important part of your long-term recovery process.

Post-Op physical therapy benefits for MPFL reconstruction surgery

• Reduces swelling — Swelling around the knee can be a common symptom after reconstruction surgery. Rehabilitative physical therapy can help reduce this swelling. Therapeutic modalities like ice and heat can be effective options. Applied to the swollen area, they can help alleviate swelling.  

• Strengthens muscles — Post-operative physical therapy can be important for many reasons. One of these is regaining strength in the knee after MPFL surgery. Building muscle strength is essential for providing stability to the knee joint. Muscles can be strengthened through different rehabilitative exercises. These can gradually build in difficulty as you recover. Strengthening exercises are important for parts of your body besides the knee. Other important joints and muscles can be neglected during recovery. The first few weeks following surgery are integral to recovery. During this time, hip strengthening exercises can be important. A physical therapy specialist can help determine your treatment regimen.

• Improves range of motion — Range of motion is typically limited after surgery. It may be at around 90 degrees for the first 4 weeks after an MPFL reconstruction. Post-op physical therapy can help to increase this range during your recovery process. Regaining full knee extension and flexion is necessary for getting you back on your feet. Sports rehabilitation techniques work to help you walk and run. Physical therapy can help you complete physical activities again.

• Increases endurance — Physical therapy can increase endurance or stamina. After an intensive surgery, patients can spend weeks unable to do physical activities. This tends to lower endurance even for athletic patients. As you recover from the surgery, increasing endurance again can be an important goal. Physical therapy gym equipment like treadmills or cycling machines can help. Equipment like this can improve cardiovascular health and improve overall physical endurance.

• Relieves pain — Knee pain relief is a significant benefit of post-op physical therapy. Pain around the knee joint can linger for an extended period of time following surgery. This can diminish quality of life. With the help of certain physical therapy techniques, this pain can be alleviated. Manual therapy is one technique that can be beneficial. This hands-on physical therapy technique is often used to treat musculoskeletal pain. This approach involves joint manipulation and soft tissue mobilization. Common causes of pain, like inflammation and tension, can be reduced, leading to relief.

• Builds balance — Balance plays an important role in knee stability. Physical therapy can educate patients on how to maintain their balance after surgery. Injury or surgery can trigger balance and gait disorders. Fortunately, specialized physical therapy techniques can address these issues.

• Maintains joint health — Joint health is essential for surgery recovery. For promoting joint health, physical therapy can be an excellent resource. Guided flexibility exercises and stretches can help patients maintain joint health. Improved flexibility can help prevent muscle imbalances and joint stiffness.

• Prevents injury — Post-operative physical therapy can help prevent future injury in many ways. It can help patients regain strength and flexibility. This can then make the body more resilient. Physical therapy specialists can also provide valuable education. Patients can learn how to maintain their health and prevent future injuries after physical therapy.

SSOR can help provide post-operative rehabilitation for your MPFL reconstruction

At SSOR (Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation), patient health is our first priority. We understand that our patients are goal-oriented people who deserve results quickly. Undergoing MPFL reconstruction surgery can be difficult and intense. Post-operative physical therapy can help you recover quickly and effectively. We offer a range of customizable treatment options designed to work for you.

Contact us today for more information about rehabilitative therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.