ACL & Meniscus Injury Treatment

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus injuries are among the most common and significant knee injuries affecting athletes in Overland Park and throughout the Kansas City area. These injuries can occur during sports activities at facilities like Fit House KC, while running on the Indian Creek Trail, or during recreational activities at Prairiefire. Understanding these injuries and getting proper treatment is crucial for optimal recovery and preventing long-term complications.

The ACL is one of four major ligaments in the knee that provides stability during rotational movements and prevents the tibia from sliding forward on the femur. ACL injuries typically occur during sudden stops, pivoting movements, or awkward landings. Common in sports like basketball, soccer, football, and skiing, ACL tears often produce a "pop" sound and immediate swelling. The meniscus consists of two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. Meniscus tears can result from acute trauma or degenerative changes over time.

Symptoms of ACL injuries include immediate pain and swelling, instability or "giving way" of the knee, difficulty bearing weight, and reduced range of motion. Meniscus tear symptoms include pain along the joint line, swelling (often delayed), catching or locking sensations, difficulty fully straightening the knee, and pain with twisting or squatting movements. Many athletes experience both ACL and meniscus injuries simultaneously, as the mechanisms of injury often overlap.

At Move Muscle & Joint, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ACL and meniscus injuries. While some injuries require surgical intervention, many can be successfully managed with conservative care including physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and biomechanical correction. For post-surgical patients, we offer evidence-based rehabilitation programs that optimize recovery and ensure safe return to sport.

Our treatment approach addresses not just the injured knee, but the entire kinetic chain. We identify and correct biomechanical issues, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns that may have contributed to the injury or could lead to re-injury. This comprehensive approach includes hip and ankle assessment, core stability training, neuromuscular control exercises, and sport-specific conditioning.

We work with athletes throughout Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Olathe, and surrounding communities, helping them recover from ACL and meniscus injuries and return to the activities they love. Whether you're a competitive athlete or weekend warrior, our goal is to help you achieve optimal recovery and prevent future injuries.