What is the best knee brace for playing rugby after acl reconstruction?

Question

desperate to play again even how to strp it will be helpful

Answer 1

I ruptured my right ACL a few years ago and had the replacement surgery.  I've since ruptured my left ACl and I am currently waiting for the operation to repair.

My surgery was performed by one of the top sports injury surgeons in New Zealand.  She had performed the same operation on a number of top NZ rugby players.

One of the things she said to me regarding rehab was that I should not wear any braces once I was "fully healed".  Wearing a brace gives you artificial support and gives your brain a subconscious faith in the knee.  You cannot wear a brace that has any metal or hard plastic in it during a game, so there are none that can do any practical good.  

She said using one during rehab was fine, but once I was off the crutches for 6 weeks, she told me to stop using it.  Taping is similar, it isn't going to do a whole lot but you can find strapping techniques at the link below.

If you have already been through the entire rehab process, then congrats and go hard, if not then I have this advice for you.  DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT start training before the doc says to.  All my life I have shaved days off doctors recommendations because I know they tend to be on the cautious side.  I learnt the hard way on my first knee that they are serious about this one.  

Your knee will feel like it is easily 100% of it's former self after about 6 months... but it totally isn't.  I was told 6 months until running, 9 before normal training/practices and 12 before full on games.  It's probably come down a bit in the last few years with improved techniques but whatever they say.... STICK TO IT!!!

Anyways, congrats, I know how hard it is to sit out, and all the rehab you've done.  Get back out there and have some fun.

http://www.sportstek.net/knee_taping.htm