What is it?

The ACL is one of the most important ligaments of the knee, giving it stability. The ACL prevents excessive twisting, straightening of the knee (hyperextension) and forward movement of the knee. When these movements are excessive and beyond what the ACL can withstand, tearing to the ACL occurs. This condition is known as an ACL tear and may range from a small partial tear resulting in minimal pain, to a complete rupture of the ACL resulting in signifi cant pain and disability, requiring comprehensive rehabilitation and potentially surgery.

Common signs and symptoms

• May notice an audible snap or tearing sound at the time of injury
• Often the pain associated with this condition is felt deep within the knee and is poorly localised
• Pain can be moderate to severe
• May experience a feeling of the knee going out and then going back in
• Swelling
• Difficulty weight bearing

How can our Practitioners help?

• Reduce muscle spasms/guarding
• Improving mobility throughout the spine and knees
• Heat/ice therapy
• Exercises & rehabilitation (pre-operative and post-operative)
• Ergonomic advice for home and workplace
• Clinical Pilates
• Dry needling

How long will it take to get better?

With appropriate management and hands on treatment, minor ACL sprains can heal within 6-8 weeks, howev er with more severe tears surgery may be indicated. Without adequate treatment and compliance to rest and exercises, ACL tears can become chronic and lead to degeneration and arthritis in the future.

Frobell, R. B., Roos, H. P., Roos, E. M., Roemer, F. W., Ranstam, J., & Lohmander, L. S. (2015). Treatment for acute anterior cruciate ligament tear: five year outcome of randomised trial. British journal of sports medicine, 49(10), 700-700.

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