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This envelope can be used to ship the unit back to the manufacturer once you are no longer using it. You will find a mailing envelope enclosed in the original packaging of the electrical stimulation unit. The use of this machine may be discontinued once the physical therapist has determined that you are able to fully activate your muscles. Following ACL reconstruction, it is common for the quadriceps muscles not to fire adequately. The physical therapist will instruct you on the appropriate set-up and use of this machine. If so, the unit should be used for 1-2 hours per day in order to facilitate the activation of your quadriceps muscles. You may be given an electrical stimulation unit to use at home. You should not sit in one position for longer than 45 minutes at a time. It is important to frequently move your knee. The physical therapist will provide you with an individualized home program that is specific to your needs. It is important to adhere to your home exercise program on a regular basis to regain your knee flexibility as quickly as possible following the operation. Do not drive if you do not feel safe doing so. Once you are no longer using your brace, driving may be resumed at your comfort if you are not using narcotic pain medication. When drying yourself after a shower, pat the incisional area dry with a towel.
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It is important to avoid submerging the operated leg underwater. Once the physical therapist has removed your bandaging, it is safe to shower. Notify the physician or physical therapist if you notice any drainage or odor coming from your incisions. The physical therapist will remove your sutures during the first two weeks after the surgery. Keep this area clean during the first few weeks after surgery until all incisions have healed. It is important that you place weight through your operated leg as early as possible following the surgery to prevent muscles in that leg from weakening. However, you should still continue to use your brace and crutches as instructed. Weight-bearing through your operated leg is permitted and encouraged following the surgery. Most patients will walk without a brace or crutches by 14 days after surgery. The physical therapist will instruct you on the appropriate progressions and time frames for brace/crutch usage in your specific case. In some cases, continued use of the brace alone (without the crutches) is appropriate. It may be possible to use only your crutches (without the brace) for a short time period to prevent any abnormalities with your walking pattern. It is usually appropriate to discontinue the use of the brace after two weeks. Ask your therapist if you have any questions regarding the appropriate fitting of your brace and/or crutches. Your brace may be unlocked or removed while seated and should be removed while sleeping. The therapist will instruct you on the correct walking sequence. Initially, two crutches should be used while walking. Your brace should be locked in zero degrees of extension (fully straightened) while standing and walking. If you have any questions, please ask the physical therapist or physician. The physical therapist or physician will notify you if there are any exceptions to these rules for your case. It is extremely important that they are followed in order to maximize your recovery process and avoid complications. These instructions are for patients that have not had a meniscal repairīelow is a list of instructions to follow during the first several weeks after your ACL reconstruction surgery.