How Reconstructive Surgery Gets Athletes Back in the Game

How Reconstructive Surgery Gets Athletes Back in the Game

Athletes drive their bodies very hard, and this can result in injuries that may require surgery to repair. Some of these types of injuries are a torn ACL, a blown Achilles tendon, or an injury to the shoulder. Getting over these types of injuries can be a long and difficult process. But with improved surgery techniques and intense rehabilitation, many athletes are able to recover completely. In Dallas, Wellgen Health assists injured athletes in getting their strength and mobility back, enabling them to get back on the field.

Common Sports Injuries Mandating Reconstructive Surgery

  1. ACL Tears: This is a very common knee injury. It often happens in sports like football, basketball, and soccer.
  2. Rotator Cuff Tears: They occur frequently in baseball pitchers, swimmers, and weightlifters.
  3. Achilles Tendon Ruptures: These are prevalent in tennis and basketball players due to sudden movements.
  4. Meniscus Tears: Typically related to twisting injuries in soccer and skiing.
  5. Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction): Usually in baseball pitchers and tennis players.
  6. Cartilage Damage: Causes joint pain and is prevalent in contact sports like football and rugby.

Types of Reconstructive Surgery

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: Least invasive and most frequently utilized for ACL, meniscus, and shoulder injuries.
  • Ligament Reconstruction: Repairs torn ligaments by grafting tissue from another region of the body.
  • Tendon Repair Surgery: Fixes torn tendons by reattaching them to the bone, like for Achilles or rotator cuff repairs.
  • Cartilage Restoration Procedures: Employ procedures that assist in restoring the joint surfaces.

Healing Timeline for Various Injuries

  • ACL Reconstruction: 6-12 months prior to complete sporting activity.
  • Rotator Cuff Repair: 4-6 months to recover completely.
  • Achilles Tendon Repair: 6-9 months to achieve full function and mobility.
  • Meniscus Repair: 3-6 months according to severity.
  • Tommy John Surgery: 12-18 months prior to returning to pitching.
  • Cartilage surgery: 6-12 months to recover fully.

Recovery and Physical Therapy

Successful recovery involves organized rehab, which includes:

  • Early-stage rehabilitation: Pain management, swelling reduction, and movement in a gentle fashion.
  • Mid-stage rehab: Strengthening exercises to enhance flexibility and balance.
  • Late-stage rehab: Gradually return to full activity and sport-specific exercises.

How Wellgen Health in Dallas Supports Athletes

Wellgen Health provides coordinated care tailored to each athlete’s rehabilitation, including:

Image Courtsey: Freepik

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