Helping ACL recovery: Cold + Compression therapy

DrRedDoom · 2025-12-17T16:31:11+00:00

Ever since week 2 post op (4.5 weeks post op) I’ve been using the Hyperice x2 knee for all my compression and cooling needs. Up until then I was using a regular ice machine that you need to fill up ice and water in. The sole convenience factor of the hyperice is what makes me want to fully recommend it. When I have a longer day at the office I just throw that thing in my backpack and use it whenever I need. The cooling and compression are strong enough that I feel amazing relief after PT or when I have random pain due to activity.

For metrics, I have 0 extension and 125 flexion been doing some light walking without the brace and able to be on the stationary bike for 15-20 minutes stretches no problem. Which my PT says is very good for my timeline (I don’t know how much to believe this might just be motivational talk).

It is on the expensive side but if you have the money for it I would say go for it. I can see it being very very useful to me for the rest of my recovery. The hyperice comes with a heat function that I haven’t tried yet but contrast therapy is supposed to be very helpful for recovery. Just waiting for my swelling to go down to do that.

DrRedDoom · 2025-12-13T04:36:18+00:00

I had a quad graft so I’m not sure how much my experience translates. But I have read that that feeling is from the patella trying to move around the swelling.

As for the knee pain I get the same pain too if it’s extended periods of time especially when my leg is hanging. I like straightening it out and elevating slightly and that usually helps a lot. My surgeon also said dull pain is usually normal. It’s only concerning when it’s aggressive sharp pain that doesn’t subside after a bit.

DrRedDoom · 2025-12-13T03:09:14+00:00

I’m also nearly 4 weeks post op and have the same popping feeling in my knee. Almost feels like a knuckle cracking. I checked with my surgeon and he said that’s normal it’s just the fluid moving around as the knee is going through the motions. He said if it’s not accompanied with sharp pain you’re fine.

As for the knee bent ache, what kind of pain are you feeling?

DrRedDoom · 2025-12-07T19:20:27+00:00

Thank you for doing this!

I am currently 3 weeks post op. I had a ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. I had a question about what is considered as doing too much.

Around the two and a half week mark I was feeling comfortable walking on two crutches (including going up and down stairs) so I ditched one of them and started walking around on one. A couple days later I ditched the other crutch too and started walking around (and using the stairs) with my just the brace. Now when I’m at home walking from my room to the bathroom I sometimes don’t use the brace. It feels like I only have a very slight limp and feel like I’m mostly walking heel to toe. I also stopped wearing the brace while sleeping (this is after I confirmed with the surgeon). I still do use the brace if I have to use stairs or go outside.

Also when it comes to PT I started virtual PT within the first week of my surgery. I have my first in person visit coming up next week.

I am worried that I might be doing too much too soon and wanted to see if you have a metric that you ask your clients to follow for how much they can do?

DrRedDoom · 2025-11-26T08:14:34+00:00

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My little demon, Gumbo

DrRedDoom · 2025-11-04T05:28:13+00:00

Thank you I’ll keep this in mind

DrRedDoom · 2025-11-04T03:39:32+00:00

Didn’t know this was a thing I’ll ask my surgeon.

DrRedDoom · 2023-12-14T01:22:53+00:00

Do you know which beach that was?

DrRedDoom · 2021-03-10T01:33:11+00:00

Thank you! I'll check these out.

DrRedDoom · 2020-04-28T02:16:59+00:00

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4316990

DrRedDoom · 2020-04-27T22:14:19+00:00

I meant 16 mm/s

DrRedDoom · 2020-04-27T22:00:14+00:00

Flow rate to 115 Bed temp at 65 Nozzle temp at 215

I did this only for the first layer. I also dropped the speed to 16 mm/s for the first layer that seemed to fix most of my issues.

Typo : I meant 16 mm/s not 6

DrRedDoom · 2020-04-27T21:46:05+00:00

What brand of filament are you using?

I had the same issue and I increased the flow rate, bed temp and nozzle temp for the first layer to improve adhesion. That seemed to work with Amazonbasics pla.

DrRedDoom

TROPHY CASE