About Courtney Expertise I am an Orthopaedic Physical Therapist with 8 years experience. I can answer questions re: orthopaedic injuries & rehabilitation. I treat patients with a variety of problems including back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, & ankle injuries / surgeries. If you have questions about your elbow, wrist, or hand, you will most likely get better information / assistance from someone else on this website.
Experience I have been practicing in an orthopaedic setting for 8 years & have experience primarily with shoulder, neck, back, & lower extremity injuries.
Organizations American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Orthopaedic Section of APTA
Question I'm a 45 year old, very active, individual which tore his ACL while skiing in March 08. I had a hamstring graft April 3rd. I'm now going into my 7th week and feel great. My PT is very optimistic with my progress. I have full mobility and leg strength is returning quickly. My concern is that I'm feeling so good, I'm going to overdo it and stretch the graft. I'm doing lawn work and pushing the wheel barrel around. My knee then gets tired. I've come this far and don't what to screw it up. What shouldn't I be doing around the house? walking down hills? etc...
How does a stretched ACL feel?
Answer Dom--
Glad to hear you are doing well. Your "typical" daily activities should not "stretch out" your graft. Typically, this happens when you do strenuous activities too soon. At 10-12 weeks, the graft should be pretty stable (depending on what type of graft your surgeon used). There is no good answer as to what a stretched ACL feel like other than "unstable."
Hope this helps you!!
