PATIENTS WHO ATTEND FORMAL PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF RECOVERY AFTER ACLR DEMONSTRATE EXCELLENT FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Background: Limitations in insurance coverage and higher out-of-pocket expenses create challenges for physical therapists rehabilitating pediatric athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). While recovery may last 9-12 months, rehabilitation typically lasts 90% LS on all tests.Conclusion: Physical therapy at a pediatric specialized center resulted in superior functional performance compared to existing literature. Interestingly, visit frequency was maintained throughout a 9-month period, which is not typical practice. Treatment during this latter phase of rehabilitation, involves advanced plyometric and sports conditioning, which may explain the high level of performance seen. Sampling bias and limitations is sample size, warrant caution in interpreting these results; however this data demonstrates that PT within a specialized setting, encompassing the entire duration of recovery after ACLR, yields excellent functional outcomes. Future investigations, within a larger and diverse sample are necessary to more fully understand these factors.