Sam Walton Case Study
Im a 28 year old male with a history of back and knee pain trouble for one year. Pain from the knee had intensified until I finally had an MRI scan. The scan results revealed a tear in the ACL ligament. Two months after the op I came to Danny to help build up my leg strength and help ease the sciatic pain I was receiving down my right leg. I had many concerns, including loss of mobility, lack of motivation, posture, weight control and returning to physical job.
Exercise Program
- Relieve pain
- Increase strength and flexibility in and around the knee and back
- Improve posture and gait
- Improve activity level as well as overall function and balance
Strength
- Full body resistance circuit training
- Non weight bearing exercises for legs
Goals:
- Increase core muscle strength
- Improve flexibility
- Increase strength in legs to protect knees
Intensity/Duration:
10 reps per exercise / 3 times a week
Time to goal:
2-4 Weeks
Functional
- 5 min walk on treadmill
- 1 min sit to stand
- 5 min on upright bike
Goals:
Increase time on the walking
Intensity/Duration:
- Brisk walk 3-5 days a week
- Sit to stand 2-3 days a week
- Bike 3-5 days a week
Time to goal:
2-4 weeks
Flexibility
Standard flexibility exercises that do not increase LBP.
- 1min sit to stand
Goals:
- Increase trunk and hip flexor range of movement
- To eventually be able to stretch quadriceps muscles in thigh to 90 degrees
Intensity/Duration:
Per muscle group hold position for 10seconds, 5 times a week
Time to goal:
Ongoing
Follow up
Following 8 weeks of rehabilitation, Sam was much more stable in his walking (Not limping) and sciatic pain went completely in his right leg. Sam reported increased mobility and ability to start work on light duties. Sam has started to brisk walk and begin using the Elliptical trainer. Knee is still very tight/stiffness. Swelling was still present therefore strengthening work is still at a minimal. If any sciatic pain did occur in Sam’s leg he was confident enough to self treat the back and stretch out the tightness.
As a bonus Sam has managed to reduce his weight by 8Ibs. Well done Sam!