An ACL injury can lead to an entire season on the sidelines for athletes or weeks of painful recovery for a patient. One of the most common questions we receive is whether an ACL tear hurts when resting. While resting is a crucial part of the recovery process, discomfort and pain can be present in many cases. That’s why we’re diving into the topic and helping individuals understand what to expect when dealing with an ACL injury.
The Severity of the Injury Determines the Pain Level
The first thing to know is that severity varies for an ACL tear, impacting the level of pain one experiences. In some cases, the injury may not be severe enough to cause discomfort when resting, while others could lead to severe pain even while lying down. Often, patients experience the most pain when they move or exercise, some even feel ACL tear pain constantly.
Natural Healing Process Takes Time
It’s critical to have patience when dealing with an ACL injury as the natural healing process takes time. Resting is essential for the healing process, allowing the body to recover and rebuild the damaged tissue. Understanding that pain could persist while resting can help manage expectations and approach recovery with patience.
Importance of Consulting a Professional
When it comes to ACL injuries, seeking medical attention from a professional can help ease the recovery process. A physiotherapist can offer rehabilitation and exercise programs that focus on reducing pain and improving mobility. A chiropractor can also provide treatment options that can help manage pain levels associated with the injury.
Pain Management Strategies to Consider
While a complete rest is necessary, some pain management strategies can help ease the pain associated with an ACL injury. Ice packs, low-impact exercises and stretching, compression wraps, and over-the-counter pain relief medication can be used to manage pain levels while resting.
Return to Sports After Recovery
Finally, after a patient has healed enough, it’s time to consider returning to sports and exercise. It’s essential to keep in mind that the recovery process must be completed before returning to any high-impact activity. This process includes strengthening the muscles around the ACL, obtaining a doctor’s clearance, and building up the endurance for safe participation in activities.
In conclusion, living with an ACL tear can be difficult, and whether or not ACL injury hurts while resting depends on the severity of the injury and the individual’s healing process. Understanding that discomfort may be present while resting can help manage expectations and adhere to the recovery process. Seeking professional help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor, following a consistent rehabilitation program, and implementing pain management strategies can aid in the recovery process and create the foundation necessary for a safe return to activities.
