Physiotherapeutic approach to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Physical therapy graduates and fourth-year undergraduate students interested in sports physical therapy, optimizing the return to activity, and preventing relapses.

1. Understanding ACL injuries:
   1. Analyze the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee.
   2. Identify injury mechanisms and risk factors.
   3. Develop the ability to perform and interpret a detailed initial assessment of the ACL using specific orthopedic tests in the context of physiotherapy.
2. Differentiate treatment approaches:
   1. Know the treatment criteria depending on the surgical or conservative approach.
   2. Understand post-surgical evolution from a biological point of view, its phases and rehabilitation protocols.
3. Mastering patient assessment and monitoring:
   1. Learn to perform and interpret objective tests at each stage of recovery.
   2. Establish progression criteria based on the patient's functional evolution.
4. Design personalized rehabilitation plans:
   1. Apply specific practical strategies for each phase of recovery.
   2. Adapt practical planning to the patient's needs and goals.
5. Optimize return to activity and prevent relapses:
   1. Implement and understand discharge criteria based on function and performance.
   2. Identify prevention strategies to minimize the risk of new injury.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in the world of sports. Their rehabilitation requires a comprehensive approach that combines appropriate post-surgery treatment with precise monitoring of functional recovery to optimize return to activity and prevent relapse.

This course emphasizes the importance of understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee, the pathophysiology of the ACL, risk factors, and the most appropriate intervention criteria according to the patient's profile. A clear and personalized roadmap is established based on the patient's functional evolution, beyond the biological recovery of the tissue.

1. Theoretical introduction to ACL injury and first phases of treatment.
2. Rehabilitation based on strength training.
3. Readaptation / Return to play adapted to sports practice. One of the key aspects of the course will be the use of objective tests at each stage of the recovery process. These tools will allow for accurate assessment of the patient's progression, ensuring safe and effective rehabilitation. When and why to perform them will be addressed, as well as how to interpret the results and use them to guide treatment and clinical decision-making.

In addition, a practical proposal will be offered on the sequential planning of rehabilitation, defining the optimal time for each test and the appropriate progression in each phase. As a result, physical therapists will be able to apply a structured, evidence-based approach to optimize the patient's recovery process and return to activity.