They won the flag despite at one stage having six of their players out with the dreaded knee injury.
This year, it looks like the Richmond Tigers are most unlucky, with no less than five players out.
A common question I’m asked is, "Why does it take so long to return to play after ACL surgery?" And often, athletes wonder, "If I work harder in rehab, can I come back sooner?"
While strong rehab is essential for a safe return, it won’t shorten the recovery time recommended by your surgeon and physiotherapist.
To understand why, it’s important to first know what happens when the ACL is ruptured and what the reconstruction involves.
The ACL is a vital ligament that stabilises the knee, preventing the shin bone from sliding too far forward on the thigh bone during twisting, landing, or changing direction.
When someone "tears their ACL," it means the ligament has snapped.
Although some research shows certain individuals can manage without an ACL, and in some cases, the ligament may heal on its own, most surgeons currently still recommend reconstruction for young athletes in pivoting sports like football and netball.
Reconstruction involves taking a tendon from another part of the body and using it to replace the torn ACL.
Tendons are not as stiff as ligaments, so the knee is left with a weakened new ACL that can snap under significant load.
This is why the 9-12 month recovery period is critical.
Over time, the body gradually transforms the tendon into a ligament-like structure, making it strong enough to withstand the physical demands of sport.
Research shows that athletes returning to sport before six months post-surgery at a very high likelihood of re-tearing their ACL, often requiring another surgery.
In contrast, those who wait closer to 12 months are much less likely to re-injure themselves.
So, that’s why ACL recovery takes so long—because it takes time for the reconstructed ligament to adapt and strengthen.
Preventing these injuries is key, and I’ll cover that next week.
Pat Arnold is a Director and Sports Physiotherapist at Echuca Moama Physiotherapy. Appointments with Pat and his colleagues can be made by call 5480 0860 or book online at echucamoamaphysio.com.au
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