Return to Jiu Jitsu after ACL Reconstruction
••••••••••••••••••
The goal of any physical therapist is to guide someone back to their desired activity.
.
The advantage of working with a sport-focused physical therapist is they will take you to through the final phase of rehab to make sure your body can endure the rigors of that sport.
.
The REAL advantage of a sport physical therapist focused on your sport is they can actually do the activity with you.
.
Here is a video of @sean.vs.tmrw , Jiu jitsu black belt, several months after ACL reconstruction. The goal is grated exposure to sport specific Jiu jitsu skills, positions and movements before releasing him for full rolling.
.
Keep in mind the criteria for return to sport:
1️⃣Tissue Healing: Returning to sport earlier than 9 months after ACLR has a high retear rate.
2️⃣Physical capacity of the athlete: it is important to use objective data on single leg balance, strength and power to ensure the knee can endure competitive activities. Ideally >90% compared to contralateral side.
3️⃣Comfort and control with sport specific skill movements.
.
I admit that I am biased however if you are a competitive or recreational grappler / martial artist / fighter you 100% should be working with a sport physical therapist who understands your sport.