The most important questions you should ask!

  • Ask your Doctor:

    As suggested by Dr. James Montgomery, M.D.; Board Certified; Sports Injuries-Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee:
    1. How many arthroscopic knee surgeries have you done?
      How many have you done this past year?
    2. How is the surgery done? Are there different techniques?
    3. What do you recommend for me and why?
    4. I have never had surgery before, what is it like? Does it hurt?
    5. When can I play again?
  • Ask your Hospital:

    As suggested by Joy Dier, RN, BSN, MS; Vice President of Clinical Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Texas Institute for Surgery:
    1. What will I have to do to prepare for my surgery?
    2. What will happen to me before my surgery?
    3. About how long will my surgery take? And where will my parents be?
    4. What should I expect when surgery is over?
    5. How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
  • Ask your Physical Therapist:

    As suggested by Dale W. Smith, PT, OCS; Board Certified Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy:
    1. How many ACL rehab cases have you managed?
    2. Should I expect pain during my therapy sessions?
    3. Can you outline for me the phases of my rehabilitation from surgery date to full release date? What happens during each phase?
    4. Are there differences in the physical therapy protocol based on which surgical technique and which graft was used by the orthopedic surgeon?
    5. What are the potential complications that can occur during the rehabilitation process? What can I do to minimize the risk of those complications?
    6. I have heard that “alignment” in the pelvis can become a factor as I become more dynamically active. Is malalignment common? How do I know if I am biomechanically aligned? Does being “out of alignment” affect my strength or function?
    7. Will I have exercises to do at home each day between physical therapy visits?
    8. When will I be off my crutches?
    9. When will I be out of my post-operative brace?
    10. When will I be able to start running?
    11. When will I be fully released to sports?
    12. Will I need a functional brace when I return to sports?
  • Ask your Club or School Athletic Trainer:

    As suggested by Greg Meyer, OPA-C, LAT, ATC; Orthopedic Physician Assistant; Athletic Trainer:
    1. What is the difference between Physical Therapy Rehab, and Athletic Trainer Rehab? What does each entail?
    2. When may I join my team again?
    3. What should be my short and long term goals?
    4. When will I be able to do basic agility skills during my rehab?
    5. Are there any specific skills tests and/or criteria I must meet prior to my return to play?
    6. Will I be able to go full speed/full time at the time of my release? If not, could you make a “return to play” schedule for me?
    7. Will I be as good as I was before my injury? How do I get back to full potential?
  • Ask your Performance Trainer:

    As suggested by Randy Brewer, MS, PES, CES; Sportsmetrics Certified:
    1. How long should it take for me to complete my recovery? I hear that it is usually 6 months. Is there a difference in recovery time for one sport versus another?
    2. What qualifications should a performance trainer have to be able to work with someone who is recovering from a knee injury?
    3. How many ACL/knee injuries have you (the performance trainer) helped to recover/recondition?
    4. What is the difference between “rehab” and “reconditioning”?
    5. I hear that many times it was not the knee’s fault when it was injured. How can we figure out why I got hurt?
    6. What role does the “core” play in a successful recovery from a knee injury?
    7. What exercises or drills are not appropriate for someone who is recovering from a knee injury? What do I do if a coach or trainer from my school or club asks me to do something you don’t think I should be doing?
    8. Do I really need “reconditioning” and performance training after rehab is completed or can I finish the job myself?
  • Ask your Coach:

    As suggested by Paul Hason, Assistant Coach SMU Men’s Soccer 2007-Present; Assistant Coach American Eagles Women WPSL 2012-Present. USSF A License:
    1. Are you disappointed in me for getting injured?
    2. Are you going to be patient with me and hold my spot on the team until I fully recover?
    3. Have you had other players injure their knees? Did they play soccer again? How long did it take for them to fully recover the form they had before their injury?
    4. Do I still need to attend team practices now that I am injured?
    5. Can I suit up for games and sit on the bench with the team?
    6. Do you think college coaches will still be interested in me now that I have been injured?
  • More questions to ask your Coach:

    As suggested by Mike Renshaw, Head Coach Dallas Tornado (NASL) 1978-81, USSF A License:
    1. What can I do to remain part of the team while I am out with my injury?
    2. How can I help the coaching staff during practices and games?
    3. Will I be pressured into coming back too soon?
    4. Will efforts be made by the coaches, players, and parents to help me feel like I am an important part of the team while I am out?
  • Ask your Orthotist (Brace Maker):

    As suggested by Stephen Aceves, Licensed Orthotist:
    1. What is the brace supposed to do for me?
    2. Will wearing the brace affect my play?
    3. How long will I have to wear the brace?
    4. What are the factors that determine what type of brace I should have?
    5. Will using the brace protect me from further injury?

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