I am 2 weks post-op acl reconstruction and having swelling that is localized in between the straps (four) of my post-op brace. I have to wear the brace for another 4 weeks minimum; how can I get the swelling to subside evenly throughout my leg as opposed to between these straps? Suggestions?
Also... I hate this brace. Just thought you should know.
i had ACL surgery a year ago next month, and I do remember that horrible brace. i think my surgeon had me wear mine for eight weeks. I was told I could take it off to ice my knee, so I would suggest you remove yours while in bed lying down, and have someone help you ice it. Did you get a cryo cuff for icing your knee? make sure you wrap a towel around the ice pack if you don't have a cryocuff. just do about 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off. you should see some progress. also, did your surgeon give you any anti-inflammatory meds to take? that should also help with swelling. if not, then your over the counter ibuprofen (advil) should be fine. hope that helps and good luck with your road to recovery. I promise it does get better, especially once that nasty brace comes off! :)
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, the brace definately comes off during PT and icing. I have been icing with cryocuff and rehabing religously at PT and at home. However, it seems like the mosre progress in terms of ROM I get at PT the stiffer my knee gets the next day or two after. I'm learning more and more that it's a brutal cycle!
Another question... I feel like even though I am doing my leg lifts and other noraml PT to exercise my quad, I am still watching it deteriorate before my eyes. Is there anything I can do to step up the conditioning of the quad to slow/stop this recession? OR am I in danger of trying to PT too hard? I am definately a "no pain no gain" kind of person... Thanks for offering your advice!
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