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Although
Derrick's surgery was a success, he still had a long road of physical
therapy in front of him. The reconstructed ligament would take at
least 6 months to regain adequate strength. He began Phase 2,
or the repair phase of physical therapy. Goals of this phase
included achieving a normal gait pattern; maintaining full extension;
strengthening quadriceps and hamstrings; increasing knee flexion;
maintaining cardiorespiratory endurance; and improving neuromuscular
control.*
At
4 months Derrick began Phase 3 of physical therapy in which
concentration was placed on functional progressions and return to
high-demand activity.* Therapy consisted of
electrical
muscle stimulation,
ultrasound massage (massage using sound waves), and incorporating
sport-specific activities.
10.
What is electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)?
11. How can EMS
prevent or reduce muscle atrophy?
At
6 months Derrick was released to full activity, but still maintained
his weight lifting exercises to keep his knee healthy. Next
football season was definitely looking up!
*
Principles
of Athletic Training, Ninth Edition,
Arnheim and Prentice, pg. 496.
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