Factors for Optimal ACL Surgery Outcome

As a patient of Vertex, you may be considering or have already undergone ACL surgery. Understanding the evidence-based factors that can determine your optimal long-term outcome after surgery is important for your recovery and rehabilitation process.

One of the most important factors to consider is the choice of graft material for ACL reconstruction. Autografts such as hamstring tendons, bone-patellar tendon-bone, and quadriceps tendon have been shown to have better outcomes compared to allografts. Additionally, a well-structured rehabilitation protocol that focuses on regaining range of motion, strength, proprioception, and neuromuscular control is crucial for optimal long-term outcomes. Your physical therapist at Vertex can work with you to create a personalized rehabilitation plan that suits your needs.

Age, knee extension (hyperextension is optimal), cross-sectional size of the graft, associated injuries, surgical technique, and rehabilitation protocol are also important factors to consider. It is essential to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon about these factors and how they may impact your long-term outcome.

When it comes to finding information online, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the sea of information available. At Vertex, we prioritize evidence-based practice and aim to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information. References used in this blog post include:

By staying informed and actively participating in your recovery process, you can increase your chances of achieving an optimal long-term outcome after ACL surgery. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and support throughout your recovery journey.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

What Is the Revascularization Phase After ACL Surgery? | Columbia SC Physical Therapy

If you’ve recently had ACL reconstruction surgery, your knee is now going through several phases of healing—and one of the most critical (but least talked about) is the revascularization phase.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we help patients across Columbia, Cayce, and Irmo, SC safely navigate this crucial stage so they can get back to sport, training, or everyday life without setbacks.

What Is the Revascularization Phase?

After ACL reconstruction, your surgeon typically uses a graft—often a patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon—to replace the damaged ligament. That graft is initially avascular, meaning it doesn’t have its own blood supply.

Over the next several weeks, your body begins a process called revascularization, in which new blood vessels form within the graft. This helps deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the healing tissue, and sets the foundation for long-term graft integration.

Timeline: When Does Revascularization Happen?

  • Starts: Around week 4 post-op
  • Peaks: Between weeks 6–12
  • Clinical significance: This is the time when the graft is biologically weakest, even if you feel stronger

This is one of the most dangerous times to do too much too soon.

⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rush ACL Rehab During This Phase

Even if the swelling has gone down and your range of motion is improving, the graft is still structurally vulnerable. This is when a misstep—like trying to jog early, jump, or pivot—can lead to a re-tear or failed reconstruction.

Our Columbia-based ACL physical therapists often tell patients:

“This is when you feel good—but the graft isn’t ready yet.”

✅ What You Should Focus On Instead

During this phase of ACL rehab, your physical therapist will progress you through targeted exercises that promote healing without overstressing the graft. These may include:

  • Active and assisted range of motion to maintain mobility
  • Early quadriceps and hamstring activation, including isometrics and light band work
  • Swelling and inflammation control to support tissue healing
  • Progressive weight-bearing as tolerated, focusing on quality of movement
  • Foundational glute, trunk, and hip stability exercises to prepare for loading phases

As your knee tolerates more, your therapist will begin layering in low-load strength work and neuromuscular control drills that build toward return-to-sport milestones. The goal during revascularization is steady, structured progression—not stagnation or aggressive timelines.

Clinical Insight from Vertex PT

At Vertex PT Specialists, we see a high volume of ACL reconstructions, especially among athletes, tactical professionals, and active adults in the Midlands region of South Carolina. Our experience has shown that:

  • Skipping ahead during the revascularization phase increases the risk of graft failure
  • Adherence to evidence-based protocols yields faster return-to-sport timelines and lower reinjury rates

Every rehab plan is individualized, based on graft type, sport demands, and tissue healing.

ACL Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC

If you’re looking for ACL rehabilitation near Columbia, SC, you’re in the right place.

At Vertex PT, we help patients through every stage of the ACL recovery process—including the often-overlooked revascularization phase. With clinic locations in Cayce, Irmo, and Downtown Columbia, we’re trusted by orthopedic surgeons, coaches, and athletes alike.

Ready to Start Rehab or Reassess Your Current Plan?

Whether you’re 4 days or 4 weeks post-op, we’ll build a program that meets you where you are.

Contact Us Today

Reference

Sawyer GA, Anderson BC, Christiansen BA. The Revascularization Phase of Tendon and Ligament Healing and its Relationship with Fibrosis. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021 Feb 10;23(3):16. doi: 10.1007/s11926-021-00972-y.

/0 Comments/by

Post-Operative Nutrition for Soft Tissue Healing and Collagen Support in Columbia, SC

When recovering from orthopedic surgery—whether it’s an ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, or meniscus procedure—nutrition plays a bigger role than most patients realize. At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, we emphasize a comprehensive recovery plan that includes physical therapy, progressive loading, and targeted nutritional strategies to support collagen synthesis and soft tissue healing.

Years of clinical experience—and an increasing number of peer-reviewed studies—highlight the connection between key nutrients and better healing outcomes. Nutritional support in the early stages of rehab can help reduce inflammation, maintain lean muscle mass, and promote the formation of stronger, more organized connective tissue. This is especially important in high-demand regions like the knee and shoulder, where quality tissue remodeling is essential for long-term success.

Why Collagen Matters After Surgery

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. It’s critical in the remodeling of tendons, ligaments, fascia, and joint capsules following surgery. However, producing high-quality collagen requires more than just protein—it depends on a synergy of micronutrients like Vitamin C, zinc, copper, and Vitamin A.

If you’re rehabbing in Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, or Irmo, here’s what you should be targeting in your nutrition:

1. Protein – The Foundation

Collagen is made of amino acids, so without sufficient protein, recovery stalls. Aim for 0.7–1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, especially in the first 4–6 weeks after surgery.

  • Chicken breast (3 oz): 21g
  • Salmon (3 oz): 22g
  • Greek yogurt (1 cup): 23g
  • Lentils (1 cup, cooked): 18g

Pro Tip: We often recommend patients supplement with hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C 30–60 minutes before rehab to take advantage of the collagen synthesis window.

2. Vitamin C – Your Collagen Co-Factor

Vitamin C is essential for converting amino acids into functional collagen fibrils. It also helps control oxidative stress during healing.

  • Red bell pepper (1 cup): 152 mg
  • Strawberries (1 cup): 89 mg
  • Broccoli (1 cup): 81 mg
  • Orange (medium): 70 mg

Aim for at least 90–100 mg per day, and consider more during times of high metabolic demand (i.e. right after surgery).

3. Vitamin A – The Growth + Repair Driver

Vitamin A promotes epithelial and connective tissue regeneration. But too much can interfere with Vitamin D absorption—so stick to 700–900 mcg/day unless advised otherwise.

  • Sweet potato (medium): 2,190 mcg
  • Carrot (medium): 509 mcg
  • Spinach (1 cup): 573 mcg

4. Zinc + Copper – The Remodeling Duo

Both minerals are needed for cross-linking collagen and tissue remodeling. Zinc supports immunity and repair, while copper aids in collagen maturation.

Zinc:

  • Oysters (3 oz): 74 mg
  • Beef chuck roast (3 oz): 7 mg
  • Pumpkin seeds (1 cup): 6.6 mg

Copper:

  • Beef liver (3 oz): 15 mg
  • Lentils (1 cup, cooked): 0.5 mg
  • Sunflower seeds (1 cup): 0.5 mg

Aim for 11 mg of zinc and 900 mcg of copper daily. Copper supplementation should be balanced with zinc intake to avoid competition at absorption sites.

5. Hydration + Energy Intake

Soft tissue healing is metabolically demanding. Under-fueling or dehydration can delay progress. As a general rule:

  • Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water daily
  • Ensure adequate total calorie intake to avoid muscle loss during immobilization

Need Guidance from a Rehab Expert in Columbia?

Whether you’ve just had surgery or are planning for one, your rehab plan should start before you even step foot in the clinic. Our team at Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC creates tailored programs that incorporate nutrition, exercise, and recovery tools so you get the best results possible.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or get answers about how to support your recovery with expert physical therapy and nutritional insight.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

LISS Training

LISS, or Low-Intensity Steady-State, training is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves performing low-impact movements at a steady pace for an extended period of time. LISS exercises include walking, cycling, swimming, or using the elliptical machine. It is a low-intensity form of cardio that is excellent for improving cardiovascular health, burning calories and fat, and is joint-friendly. Here are some of the top benefits of LISS training:

Improves Cardiovascular Health:

LISS training is excellent for improving cardiovascular health. It strengthens the heart and lungs, improves blood flow, and enhances overall cardiovascular function. LISS training can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Burns Calories and Fat:

LISS training can be an effective way to burn fat and lose weight. By exercising at a steady pace for an extended period of time, the body burns fat for fuel, which can lead to weight loss and improved body composition. LISS training can also help boost metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Low-Impact and Joint-Friendly:

LISS training is low-impact and joint-friendly, making it an excellent option for people with joint pain or injuries. By using low-impact exercises such as walking or cycling, LISS training allows you to get the benefits of cardio without putting stress on your joints.

Can be Done Anywhere:

LISS training is a versatile form of cardio that can be done almost anywhere, with little to no equipment required. Whether you’re walking outside, cycling on a stationary bike, or swimming laps in a pool, you can do LISS training almost anywhere, making it an excellent option for people who travel frequently or who prefer to exercise at home.

Relieves Stress and Improves Mood:

LISS training can help relieve stress and improve mood. By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain, LISS training can boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental health. It can also help you sleep better, leading to more energy and better overall health.

Here are some recommendations for frequency, intensity, and duration for LISS training:

Frequency: Aim to do LISS training 3-5 times per week.

Intensity: LISS training should be performed at a moderate intensity, with a heart rate between 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220.

Duration: Aim to do LISS training for 30-60 minutes per session.

/0 Comments/by