Optimizing Post-ACL Reconstruction Recovery using Tape and Focal Vibration

Recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a complex journey that demands innovative approaches. Recent research reveals that combining focal vibration therapy with kinesiology tape (KT) can enhance recovery, offering a powerful synergy in optimizing sensorimotor function.

The Challenge of ACL Recovery

Annually, around 250,000 ACL injuries occur in the USA, leading to a significant risk of future knee osteoarthritis and associated complications. Despite traditional rehabilitation efforts, many challenges remain, including quadriceps weakness, postural instability, and neuromotor hypofunction. These issues are often amplified by neural inhibition known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) which hampers optimal recovery.

 

Importantly, it is crucial to recognize that the ACL is not just a mechanical check ligament. Beyond its structural role, the ACL serves as a vital communication conduit to the brain. It provides critical information to the central nervous system about joint position, movement, and load, playing a key role in sensorimotor control mechanisms. This means that the health of the ACL impacts not only joint stability but also the brain's ability to coordinate movement accurately and efficiently.

 

Recent research underscores the importance of restoring this communication pathway. Athletes with ACL injuries exhibit altered brain connectivity, especially in regions responsible for sensorimotor processing and error correction (Diekfuss et al., 2020). A fundamental goal of ACL rehab should be to optimize the communication between the knee and the central nervous system. This involves not just rebuilding strength but also retraining the brain to interpret and respond to joint and limb inputs.

 

At RockTape, we believe that stacking therapies such as combining kinesiology taping with focal vibration can be a game changer in enhancing this neuro communication. By employing strategic taping to stimulate mechanoreceptors and applying focal vibration to reinforce neural pathways, therapists can facilitate a more robust and accurate sensorimotor response, ultimately improving functional outcomes and reducing recurrence risk.

 

The Role of Kinesiology Tape

 

Kinesiology tape, such as RockTape, has shown, in recent literature, promise in ACL recovery:

 

• Pain Reduction: KT can alleviate post-operative pain by increasing lymphatic drainage and decreasing pressure on pain receptors. This reduction in discomfort can also have psychological benefits, boosting confidence and reducing fear of movement.
• Swelling Control: Applied strategically, KT promotes lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce knee swelling common in post-ACLR patients.
• Proprioception and Balance: The tactile stimulus provided by kinesiology tape can help draw attention to the targeted area by stimulating local mechanoreceptors. This stimulation can contribute to refining the body's sensory maps related to that region, leading to improved motor control. 

The Promise of Focal Vibration Therapy

Focal muscle vibration (FMV) introduces micro-stretching-shortening cycles to specific muscles, offering several therapeutic advantages:

 

• Neuromotor Enhancement: FMV can significantly improve hamstring and quadriceps strength, which is crucial for joint stabilization in ACL patients.
• Postural Control: Though results on postural control are mixed, using FMV can enhance motor unit synchronization and intramuscular coordination, contributing to better neuromuscular control.
• Circulatory Benefits: By enhancing blood flow and muscle temperature, FMV supports quicker recovery and muscle readiness.

The Synergy: One Plus One Equals Three

By integrating KT and FMV with devices like the Pulse Device, you can address both mechanical and neurological aspects of recovery:

 

1. Sensorimotor Optimization: Utilizing KT alongside FMV can boost proprioceptive feedback and neuromuscular activation, tackling the deficiencies in balance and strength that often follow ACLR.
2. Pain and Swelling Management: KT helps manage post-surgical swelling, while FMV aids in pain modulation and enhances motor recovery.
3. Confidence and Functionality: This combined approach provides not just physical support but also psychological reinforcement, encouraging patients to engage in more complex movements with confidence.

Practical Application

Step 1: Apply RockTape strategically post-surgery to target the knee area, focusing on pain management and swelling reduction.

 

Pro Tip: Use the RockPods Vibe to prep the tissue prior to taping (3 frequencies: 75/100/125Hz). 

 

  

 

 

Step 2: Use the Pulse Device to deliver focused vibration to the quadriceps and hamstrings, aiming for frequencies above 100 Hz for maximum neuromuscular benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

The Set Up: Step by Step Tape Preparation

 

 

 

Conclusion

The integration of focal vibration therapy with kinesiology tape offers a smarter way to address the physical and neural deficits following ACL reconstruction. These combined modalities can enhance neuromuscular control, decrease pain and swelling, and promote a faster, more complete recovery.

 

Pulse Device – www.pulsedevice.com

RockTape – www.rocktape.com

 

References

1. Fattorini, L., Rodio, A., Filippi, G. M., & Pettorossi, V. E. (2023). Effectiveness of focal muscle vibration in the recovery of neuromotor hypofunction: A systematic review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(3), 103.
2. Labianca, L., Andreozzi, V., Princi, G., Princi, A. A., Calderaro, C., Guzzini, M., & Ferretti, A. (2022). The effectiveness of kinesio taping in improving pain and edema during early rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective, randomized, control study. Acta Biomedica, 92(6).
3. Chaput, M., Ness, B. M., Lucas, K., & Zimney, K. J. (2022). A multi systems approach to human movement after ACL reconstruction: The nervous system. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(1), 47-59.
4. Coulondre, C., Souron, R., Rambaud, A., Dalmais, É., Espeit, L., Neri, T., Pinaroli, A., Estour, G., Millet, G. Y., Rupp, T., Feasson, L., Edouard, P., & Lapole, T. (2022). Local vibration training improves the recovery of quadriceps strength in early rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A feasibility randomized controlled trial. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 65(4).
5. Chen, P., Wang, L., Zhou, W., & Wang, L. (2024). Efficacy of kinesio taping on knee function among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. PLoS One, 19(2).
6. Gokeler, A., Neuhaus, D., Benjaminse, A., Grooms, D. R., & Baumeister, J. (2019). Principles of motor learning to support neuroplasticity after ACL injury: Implications for optimizing performance and reducing risk of second ACL injury. Sports Medicine, 49(6), 853-865.
7. Diekfuss, J. A., Grooms, D. R., Nissen, K. S., Schneider, D. K., Foss, K. D. B., Thomas, S., Bonnette, S., Dudley, J. A., Yuan, W., Reddington, D. L., Ellis, J. D., Leach, J., Gordon, M., Lindsey, C., Rushford, K., Shafer, C., & Myer, G. D. (2020). Alterations in knee sensorimotor brain functional connectivity contribute to ACL injury in male high school football players: A prospective neuroimaging analysis. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 24(5), 415-423.
8. Diekfuss, J. A., Grooms, D. R., Yuan, W., Dudley, J., Foss, K. D. B., Thomas, S., Ellis, J. D., Schneider, D. K., Leach, J., Bonnette, S., & Myer, G. D. (2019). Does brain functional connectivity contribute to musculoskeletal injury? A preliminary prospective analysis of a neural biomarker of ACL injury risk. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22(2), 169-174.