The golfing world watched in awe as Tiger Woods pivoted on his left knee in a victory celebration leap after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, FL on March 29. This come-from-behind victory marked his successful comeback after undergoing ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstructive surgery last summer. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) credits intensive physical therapy treatment with his successful return to the PGA.

Gary Karkuff, PT, president of First Choice Rehab notes, "Tiger's surgeon needs to be given utmost respect for a successful surgery, and the rehabilitation that Woods has received since the first day after surgery has indeed played a huge part in his recovery." "Therapy following an ACL reconstruction can be a lengthy process for any athlete", says Karkuff. "Typical recovery from ACL surgery ranges from six to eight months when the ligament is completely healed.  Every athlete is different and of course, the patient must work closely with the therapist and follow the plan of care."

The APTA says that all athletes depend on the ACL to help control knee stability. Rotation is a key component of golf and is addressed and incorporated into the athlete's rehabilitation program. Early in the rehab process, straight plane movements are emphasized, meaning the body moves in one direction  forward, backward or sideways.  These movements produce less force on the ACL during the critical, earlier stages of tissue healing. The simple movements make it easier for the body and brain to adapt as the athlete relearns how to move properly. Once swelling has subsided, the physical therapist focuses on helping the patient strengthen the muscles around the knee, including the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles.

"Following ACL surgery, patients must avoid any type of twisting motion of the knee," explains Karkuff. In the first few weeks of healing, swelling may increase if the athlete overdoes certain activities and this will postpone recovery." "We train our patients the proper way to go down stairs, sit-stand and other precautionary measures in the early stages of recovery," he adds.

"There are many abdominal and hip muscles, essential to a successful return to golf, that must be strengthened and supported during rehab", adds Karkuff. "With a strong core, the legs and arms move easier and with less effort so the golf swing can be more effectively produced."

According to the APTA, there has been significant increase in injuries among professional golfers, primarily because the game has changed so drastically and training has become so intense. It is now the norm, not the exception, for professional men and women golfers to work with physical therapists on improving their musculoskeletal balance, body mechanics, strength, posturing and cardiovascular fitness.