We think that roughly 20% of patients who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery eventually suffer a second injury. How can you prevent tearing your ACL graft or the ACL in your opposite knee?

Judy asks:
Great blog. Thank you!
I am a 25-year-old female. I had my ACL reconstruction about 2 months ago using a patellar bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Physio and rehab has been going really well, and I have started doing more heavy weight exercises. I am constantly worried about my graft failing or stretching because it happened to a friend of mine. What are the signs and symptoms that I need to watch out for which could signal that I’m harming my new ACL?
Thanks a lot!

I think that working hard with a physical therapist on regaining full strength, function, sport-specific activity and more can help you prepare for your return to sports, but it also gives you the best chance to avoid an injury to your ACL graft.

Also read:
Ask Dr. Geier – When can I walk normally after ACL surgery?

Do you like to exercise or play sports, or do you have kids who play sports? In my new book, That’s Gotta Hurt: The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever, I discuss some of the advances made in the world of sports medicine that has helped athletes perform better, play longer and recover faster than ever before. You should read it! Order your copy now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound or Powell’s Books.

Also read:
Ask Dr. Geier – When can you return to sports after ACL surgery?

Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.