EFFICACY OF HYDROTHERAPY AND KINESIOTHERAPY IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most frequent in active individuals, especially athletes. Postoperative rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring knee function, with hydrotherapy being an effective tool in this process. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of hydrotherapy and kinesiotherapy in the rehabilitation of patients with ACL injury. METHOD: This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, based on scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025. Databases such as Google Scholar, SciELO, and scientific journals were used, following specific inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that hydrotherapy significantly contributes to pain reduction (assessed using the VAS scale), increased range of motion (measured by goniometer), and muscle strength gain (evaluated using the MRC scale). The physical properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure, provide a safe and effective environment for treatment. CONCLUSION: Hydrotherapy, combined with kinesiotherapy, represents a relevant and promising therapeutic approach for patients undergoing post-ACL injury rehabilitation.