Many people think that once they’re cleared to return to sport after ACL reconstruction, the work is done. But for many athletes, the real challenges show up months, or even years, later. Depending on the type of graft used for reconstruction, patients may develop chronic issues that limit performance or even put them at risk for new injuries. For example, hamstring tendon grafts can leave lasting hamstring weakness, increasing the chance of strains and tears down the line. Quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon grafts, on the other hand, are often associated with persistent anterior knee pain, jumper’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome. And perhaps most importantly, lingering deficits in knee extension can place extra stress on other structures, creating a cascade of problems from hip mechanics to low back pain.
At Mend, we see these long-term issues frequently, and our goal is to help patients identify and correct them before they limit activity. We use isometric dynamometry testing to precisely measure quadriceps, hamstring, gluteal and calf strength, ensuring we catch deficits that aren’t obvious in day-to-day activity. This allows us to see whether one side is still weaker years after surgery, and whether graft-related impairments are driving ongoing problems. Beyond strength, we also use a battery of functional testing to assess movement quality, agility, and power production, giving us a clearer picture of how the knee is performing during the kinds of tasks that matter to athletes. These types of tests allow us to capture higher level physical and muscular impairments important to athletes that aren’t readily seen in our normal activities.
Our clinic is uniquely equipped to tackle these challenges head-on, with tools ranging from Rogue squat racks to open space for plyometric and sport-specific drills. Similarly, our board-certified orthopedic specialists have decades of experience working with high-level and world-class athletes after ACL surgeries Whether you had surgery last year or a decade ago, if you’re noticing chronic pain, muscle imbalances, or performance limitations, these may not be “just part of the process”. If you’ve had ACL surgery in the past and want to make sure your knee is performing at its best for the long haul, schedule an appointment with Mend today. We’ll help you uncover hidden weaknesses and get you back to moving stronger, longer, and pain-free.