ACL Tear Treatment and Rehab
Treatment for ACL tears and injuries can range from nonsurgical — such as knee braces — to ACL reconstruction surgery.
The experts at UPMC Sports Medicine will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your:
- Age
- Activity level
- Degree of injury
UPMC also offers an ACL Injury Prevention Program for athletes who are either looking to return to their sport after experiencing an ACL tear or to prevent one from happening.
Nonsurgical ACL tear treatment
For minor ACL injuries, protective braces and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee may be enough.
To treat a minor ACL tear, your doctor may suggest that you:
- Apply ice to the knee a few times a day.
- Elevate the knee above the level of the heart.
- Compress the knee with a bandage or wrap.
- Reduce or halt activity for several weeks.
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs — such as ibuprofen — to reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
ACL tear surgery
A full ACL tear will not heal on its own. If you want to continue in high-intensity sports or an active lifestyle, surgical repair may be the best treatment option.
In ACL reconstruction surgery, surgeons rebuild the ligament using tissue from your own body or from a donor.
Without surgery, your knee may be unstable and increase your risk for future injuries.
ACL tear rehab and recovery
Physical therapy is a vital part of healing from an ACL tear or injury.
Your physical therapist will ask you to complete exercises. You can do most of these at home or at the gym.
The goals of rehab are to restore range of motion and strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, which help stabilize the knee.
The ACL Injury Prevention Program from UPMC Sports Performance helps athletes reduce the risk of non-contact ACL injuries while improving athletic performance.
Learn more about ACL tear treatments
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