What is the ACL? The ACL stands for the anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of the stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint. It is located behind the kneecap and connects the femur to the shin bone (tibia). Importantly, this ligament prevents excess forward and backwards movements of the femur and tibia overtop each other. When people say their ACL is injured, this refers to either a sprain or tear of the ACL ligament. How is the ACL injured? Ligaments work as a connective, stabilizing band for two bones. The ACL, one of two ligaments that cross in the middle of the knee, connects your thighbone to your shinbone and helps stabilize your knee joint. ACL injuries often happen during sports and fitness activities that put high shear and stress forces on the knee: Suddenly slowing down and changing direction (cutting) Pivoting with your foot firmly planted (plant and…

Say Goodbye and Beat knee pain with an Orthopedic Custom Knee Brace! Here at PhysioNow, we can help you recover from your knee pain faster by providing you with a Custom Knee Brace. There are many types of knee braces available for purchase. Therefore, it can be overwhelming to know which brace is best for you so does the type of knee pain. In this article, we will give you an overview of custom knee braces. Also, provide instructions on how to start the process of ordering your custom knee brace. Who can get a custom knee brace for knee pain? Custom knee braces are most used for individuals with/after: Post-operative recovery Knee instability Osteoarthritis Ligament or meniscal injuries Moreover, the brace is constructed using precise measurements taken from your leg. It is designed to only fit you. Why get a custom knee brace? Is it worth it for knee…

ACL Rehabilitation ACL injuries are very common.  Most people know at least one other person who has gone through some kind of ACL injury.  But what exactly is the ACL?  Furthermore, what is ACL Rehabilitation? ACL Rehabilitation is a term used to describe the physiotherapy treatment that takes place after an ACL injury.  It is an important part of the recovery so that individuals can get back to their work and sport ACL Rehabilitation – What is the relevant Anatomy The term ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament.  Ligaments are soft tissues that connect 2 bones together.  Ligaments provide stability to the joint.  The ACL is found in the knee joint.  It is one of the most important ligaments in the knee.   ACL Rehabilitation – Where is the ACL located? The ACL is one of two ligaments found deep inside the knee joint.  The other ligament is called the…

Heat and Cold therapy How it works When we apply Heat therapy, it improves circulation and blood flow to  that area due to increased temperature. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue. Types Dry Heat therapy includes sources like heating pads, dry heating packs, and even saunas. This heat is easy to apply. Moist Heat therapy includes sources like steamed towels, moist heating packs, Theratherm heating pads that take moisture from the air, or hot baths. Moist heat may be slightly more effective as well as require less application time for the same results. Contraindications diabetes dermatitis vascular diseases deep vein thrombosis multiple sclerosis (MS)  Heat is useful for relieving: osteoarthritis strains and sprains tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in the tendons warming up stiff muscles or tissue before activity relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including the lower back Cold…

Signs and Symptoms of ACL tear This blog will talk about signs and symptoms of ACL tear. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, is a very important structure of the knee joint. Its main function is to stop the shin bone from moving too far forward when the knee is straightened. The ACL also prevents the knee from rotating too far inward. As a result, a tear to this ligament can have very negative effects on knee function and stability. A potential injury to the ACL has fairly easily recognizable signs and symptoms. Mechanism of injury of ACL Tear The mechanism of injury is very important in identifying an ACL injury. The ACL ligament is often injured when the leg is pivoted with the foot planted. It can also result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee. It is common to see ACL injuries in soccer and…