Damage to Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The ACL, positioned in the knee's center, is a crucial stabilizer connecting from the inner side of the medial meniscus to the outer side of the thigh bone. It primarily serves to:
1. Forward movement of the shin bone over the thigh bone
2. Twisting of the shin bone inward and outward
3. Over straightening of the shin bone
The ACL is usually injured when the knee gets hit while the foot is firmly on the ground. It can also tear if you suddenly stop or twist. Women experience ACL injuries without contact more frequently than men.
ACL Tear Symptoms:
1. Instability in the knee, “giving – out” sensation of the knee
2. Knee pain
3. Swelling within the joint
4. Discoloration
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FAQs
Diagnosis of a Torn ACL:
Your doctor will ask about your injury history, how you got injured, previous injuries, and symptoms to assess your condition. After a thorough physical knee exam, your doctor might advise getting an MRI, which is the most effective at detecting an ACL tear.
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament Treatment:
Treatment for an ACL tear varies based on how serious the tear is, the patient's age, and their activity level.
ACL Surgery:
The surgeon carries out a minimally invasive procedure known as arthroscopic surgery. During this operation, the surgeon drills into the tibia and femur bones, removes the torn ACL, and replaces it with a new graft secured by screws.
There are two types of grafts that are available:
1. An allograft is tissue taken from a deceased donor.
2. An autograft comes from your own body, like a hamstring or patellar tendon.
Prior to Surgery, when the injury first occurs:
1. Rest – Avoid using your leg, use crutches if needed.
2. Ice – Apply ice in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle for the first.
3 days. 3. Compress – Wear a compression band to lessen swelling.
4. Elevate – Keep your leg raised, above heart level if possible.
5. Medication – Take doctor-recommended anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers.
6. Exercise – Strengthen your quadriceps.
Suffering from ACL tear discomfort? Get lasting relief – book a session with our expert physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, today.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
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Expert Orthopedic and Sports Injury Care in Freehold, NJ
At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing orthopedic and sports-related injuries using the latest, evidence-based techniques. Whether you're an athlete recovering from an injury or struggling with chronic joint pain, our expert team is here to help. With state-of-the-art rehabilitation tools and a personalized approach, we focus on restoring movement, reducing pain, and helping you get back to the activities you love—stronger than ever.
Why Choose Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold?
At Stride Physical Therapy, we bring advanced rehabilitation techniques—once reserved for elite athletes—right to our local community in Freehold, NJ. Our one-on-one treatment sessions ensure you receive a customized recovery plan tailored to your specific needs. We are dedicated to fast recovery, effective pain relief, and long-term wellness, so you can move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
Conditions We Treat
We provide expert care for a variety of orthopedic and sports-related conditions, including:
✅ Tendon & Ligament Injuries – Sprains, strains, tendonitis, ligament tears
✅ Muscle Disorders – Muscle strains, ruptures, spasms, and inflammation
✅ Pain Management – Chronic headaches, myofascial pain, neck and back pain
✅ Joint Disorders – Osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, and dislocations
Specialized Rehabilitation Services
Our team at Stride Physical Therapy offers specialized rehabilitation programs tailored to your recovery goals:
✔ Post-Surgical Rehab – Guided recovery plans after orthopedic surgeries
✔ Chronic & Acute Injury Rehab – Treatment for both sudden and long-term conditions
✔ Joint Replacement Therapy – Recovery programs for knee, hip, and shoulder replacements
✔ Spine Rehabilitation – Strengthening programs for back pain and spinal injuries
✔ Sports Injury Rehab – Cutting-edge treatments to help athletes regain peak performance
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life!
If you're dealing with joint pain, muscle discomfort, or a recent injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ is committed to helping our community stay active, mobile, and pain-free.
📞 Call us today to schedule an appointment, or visit our website to learn more about our expert rehabilitation services. Let’s get you back to doing what you love—without limitations!
