PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN POST-SURGICAL RECOVERY OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT IN FOOTBALL ATHLETES: THE INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most common surgeries among athletes, especially in sports that require quick changes of direction, such as football. This study aims to review the physiotherapeutic approaches used in the postoperative rehabilitation of the ACL, focusing on best practices and the effectiveness of these interventions in athlete recovery. The integrative review analyzed several studies, highlighting the importance of personalizing treatment protocols, which must consider the individual characteristics of each athlete, such as level of competition and severity of the injury. Kinesiotherapy is identified as the most common, being essential for recovering range of motion, strength, and knee functionality. Furthermore, electrostimulation emerges as a complementary technique, especially in the early phases of rehabilitation, preventing muscle atrophy. Continuous functional evaluation is emphasized as a critical component, allowing adjustments to protocols as the athlete progresses. Collaboration among professionals from different fields, such as physiotherapists, physicians, and coaches, is essential for a multidisciplinary approach that enhances rehabilitation outcomes. Ongoing research in the area is necessary to improve physiotherapeutic practices, helping athletes return to sports safely and efficiently.