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My insurance has run out before my rehab is done for an ACL reconstruction. I'm still not at a level that I can get back into action as an athlete (I'm involved in several sports). What do I do now?
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More and more, folks are finding out that it takes longer to recover from injuries and surgeries than they necessarily have insurance coverage for. And in the case of anterior cruciate ligamentreconstruction, that's not surprising because it can take months to regain full motion, strength, and proprioception (joint position awareness).
If you have any kinesiophobia (fear of movement and/or reinjury), it can take longer than that. So what is the optimal length of time for rehab after ACL reconstruction? What impairments (physical problems, loss of function) are present to keep the athlete from returning to sports full speed ahead?
As experts in the field of sports medicine and rehab, these are the questions physical therapists are asking. They would like to be able to formulate some guidelines for athletes to follow when entering a rehab program after their ACL reconstruction.
In a recent study from the University of Florida, several well-known therapists in this area found that pain intensity and fear-avoidance behaviors associated with kinesiophobia were holding patients back from full return-to-sports. They hope to continue studying this problem in order to identify who might need some help in this area right from the start.
In the meantime, when situations like this one come up, patients must be aware that they still have some important options. First, you can document your need for ongoing therapy and submit it to your insurance company. With a letter of support from the surgeon and your therapist, you may be able to get an extension on your coverage.
If that is denied, you can still make arrangements with the therapist for a payment plan that suits your budget. Combining a home program with an exercise program at the clinic can help extend the time between sessions with the therapist but still give you the supervision you need.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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