Aimee Clark Physiotherapy

09/04/2026

Quite a lot of bruising can be completely normal after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction (ACL reconstruction). Do not be too alarmed.

Several things during surgery can lead to extensive bruising (ecchymosis):

1. Surgical bleeding
• Small blood vessels are cut during the procedure.
• Blood can track down the leg due to gravity.
2. Graft harvesting
• If a Patellar tendon or Hamstring tendon graft is used, the tissue harvesting itself causes additional trauma and bleeding.
3. Fluid movement after surgery
• Post-operative swelling can push blood into surrounding tissues.
4. Gravity
• Bruising often moves down the leg over days.
• It’s common to see bruising around the **shin, calf, or even ankle.

Typical timeline

• Days 2–5: Bruising usually becomes more visible.
• Week 1–2: Can look quite dramatic (dark purple/yellow).
• Weeks 2–4: Gradually fades.

Normal bruising can be:

• Large or spreading
• Dark purple/blue/yellow
• Slightly tender
• Moving downward along the leg

Red flags 🚩

Contact a clinician if you see:

• Rapidly increasing swelling or tightness
• Severe calf pain (possible Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• Redness, warmth, or fever (possible Postoperative infection)
• Bruising that keeps expanding significantly after ~1–2 weeks

Practical tips

• Elevation helps limit spread
• Compression (if prescribed)
• Ice around the knee (not directly on deep bruising)
• Gentle movement as guided in rehab

17/03/2026

Excited to share that I’m away in Calgary, Canada working with Team Scotland at the Women’s World Curling Championships 🇨🇦🥌

An incredible opportunity to be part of such a high-performance environment and support athletes competing on the world stage.

06/03/2026

A humbling day in the cadaver lab with colleagues, studying the incredible complexity of human anatomy. Grateful for the opportunity to keep learning, and for the individuals who made this learning possible even after their lifetime.

04/03/2026

Not all knee extension exercises after ACL reconstruction are “advanced”… some are just for pure clickbait.

Just because it looks cool on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s good rehab.

After an ACL reconstruction, especially in early–mid phase rehab, knee extension work should:

✔️ Improve quad activation
✔️ Be progressively loadable
✔️ Respect tissue healing timelines
✔️ Build confidence

But instead, we’re seeing exercises that:

❌ Are painful
❌ Create anterior knee discomfort
❌ Don’t actually improve quad firing
❌ Add instability without purpose
❌ Prioritise novelty over physiology

More complexity doesn’t equal better outcomes.

The quadriceps need progressive load, good motor control, and appropriate joint positioning — not circus variations designed for engagement metrics.

Rehab isn’t entertainment.

It’s biology + load management + adaptation.

04/03/2026

👋 Great to see in today. Genuinely in awe of her achievements and the journey she is on.

🤝They say to never meet your heroes as they always let you down, but I just love it when she pops past and we catch up on dogs, ice karting and life.

😇 You will never know how much you inspire us, and more importantly our children who we are so proud to speak to about your sport.

21/02/2026

After ACL reconstruction, avoid resting with a pillow directly under your knee! ❌

That position keeps the knee slightly bent for long periods, which can lead to a flexion contracture (loss of full extension). ❌

Instead, place the pillow under your lower leg or heel. ✅

Elevating from the heel also helps reduce swelling. When the leg is supported from underneath and slightly elevated, it encourages fluid to drain away from the knee rather than pooling around the joint.✅

This allows gravity to gently help the knee straighten and protects your extension range — which is one of the most important early goals after ACL surgery. ✅

Full extension early on = better gait, less pain, and smoother long-term recovery. ✅

19/02/2026

If someone’s promising to get you back to sport in 6 months, sliding into your DMs with a “free discovery call,” or selling rehab like a monthly subscription… 🚩

ACL rehab isn’t a sales pitch. It’s specialist work.

Choose experience. Choose qualifications. Choose someone who treats knees — not leads.

19/02/2026

18/02/2026

STRONGER THAN THE SCAR 💪✨

Everyone’s looks different, feels different, and rehab is different!

An ACL, PCL, MCL or whatever reconstruction or repair you have had had, isn’t just a surgery…

it’s the start of a long-term rebuild.

The scar you see on the outside?
That’s only a small part of the story.

Real healing happens through progressive rehab — done safely, patiently, and with purpose.

✅ Restore movement
✅ Build strength
✅ Retrain stability
✅ Protect repaired tissue
✅ Return to sport with confidence

Rehab isn’t about rushing.
It’s about progressing step by step, at the right time, with the right load.

Because doing too much too soon can set you back…
and doing too little for too long can hold you back.

The goal isn’t just to recover.
The goal is to come back stronger than before.

Stronger than the scar.
Stronger than the setback.
Stronger for life.

09/02/2026

🚨 Severe Knee Bursitis: Don’t Ignore This Swelling! 🚨

Is your knee suddenly puffy, painful, and hard to move?

You may be dealing with severe knee bursitis — an inflamed fluid sac around the joint.

🦵 What is Knee Bursitis?

A bursa is a small cushion filled with fluid that reduces friction.
When irritated, it can swell up like a balloon → causing major discomfort.

⚠️ Common Symptoms

✅ Noticeable swelling in front or below the kneecap
✅ Warmth and tenderness
✅ Pain with kneeling or bending
✅ Limited movement
✅ Sometimes redness or fever (infection warning!)

🔥 Causes Include:

• Prolonged kneeling (“housemaid’s knee”)
• Overuse or repetitive stress
• Injury or trauma
• Arthritis or gout
• Infection (requires urgent care)

🛑 What To Do FIRST

✔ Rest the knee
✔ Ice 15–20 min, 3–4x/day
✔ Avoid pressure (no kneeling!)
✔ Compression + elevation
✔ See a professional if severe or persistent

Seek Medical Help Immediately If:

❗ Fever
❗ Red, hot knee
❗ Sudden severe pain
❗ Difficulty walking

Physio Can Help With:

✨ Reducing inflammation
✨ Improving mobility
✨ Strengthening surrounding muscles
✨ Preventing recurrence