Rehabbing the Mind Within Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation: Are We Addressing Patients' Expectations?

Patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery experience not only physical problems, but also psychological distress such as anger, depression, anxiety, and fear. These psychological issues are said to be responsible for up to 50% of athletes failing to return to their pre-injury level of sport following ACL surgery, despite being fully physically rehabilitated. Therefore, it is important that addressing the psychological well-being of patients during ACL rehabilitation is a priority.