diagnosed with a severly unstable knee

[brenda]

Hi,
I'm 39, ex gymnast, i tore my acl 25 years ago. Last year, I went in to see a surgeon to have my acl repaired because it was feeling unstable and it was giving way too often. I had a knee arthroscopy 3 weeks ago. My surgeon could not repair what was left of my menisci, so he "cleaned it up" and diagnosed me with a severely unstable knee. I may go in for further surgery but am unsure. He wants to go about it conservatively and give it time. I want to strengthen my leg muscles and have been curious about aquatic therapy. What exercises in the water can i start out with. As well, what exercises can you recommend for out of the pool?

Thank you

[alophysio]

It is hard to guess without an exam but i would be looking at hamstring strengthening. Flippers and a kickboard might also be ok but you haven't supplied enough info...a good therapist whould be able to guide you with what you need to do. Aquatic therapy is very visual and kinaesthetic so very hard to describe in words.

Good luck

[neuromuscular]

I am wondering if you can fully extend the knee.

Many times the poplitus and planterius muscle are overlooked. They cause a normal rotation of the tibialis on the femur.

If you can straighten the knee fully, then it may just be a structural problem.

If you cannot straighten the leg completely, but are walking with a flexed leg, it may be tight popliteus and planterius that are keeping the knee from rotationg at the end of the movement.

Hope that this is helpful

Best regards,

Neuromuscular.