So, I had physical therapy this morning and asked my therapist is I could start running on a treadmill. I am getting ansy, you know, as I was pretty active on Oct 24 and have been having a hard time sitting still and having my activity limited since.
The answer was NO and not until 12 weeks at a minimum, and only if I am ready. Hmmm! But, what was interesting was the explanation and since I have never heard it explained that way, I thought I would share.
When your ACL is replaced, the tissue is really weak, of course. During the first 6 weeks, the tissue is strengthening and healing but has not yet been integrated into your body. Between 6 and 10 weeks, your body starts to integrate blood vessels within and around the ACL. This breaks down the ACL and then builds it back up. During this time, 6-10 weeks, you are starting to feel ready to engage in previous activity, but your ACL is actually not ready. Once 10 weeks passes, your ACL should be integrated in, with blood vessels surrounding it and supplying it and healing it.
So, no running until 12 weeks. That is January 30th ... stay tuned.
