When should an ACL tear be treated with physiotherapy rather than surgery?

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When should an ACL tear be treated with physiotherapy rather than surgery?

A tissue that connects our thighbone to the shinbone in the knee is known as ACL tissue. ACL tissue tear can occur while playing certain sports such as tennis, skiing, football, basketball, and others.

The main symptoms of an ACL tear can be swelling, pain and instability can be prevented and improved with the help of physiotherapy. There are many cautions to be taken for this. If the ligament of an ACL tissue is only partially torn, it will heal itself.

If it is fully torn, then it might require surgery. Physical therapy plays an important role in treatment and ACL tear rehabilitation.

Also Read : How Physiotherapy Helps Car Accident Injuries

ACL Tear nonsurgical treatments

Mild ACL tears can also be treated with the help of physical therapies. These exercises and positions are specially designed so that they can straighten the muscles that support the knee as well as the muscles of the upper leg.

It is more likely that your physical therapist will offer you the popular method, known as the RICE method, by which you can heal from your ACL tore tissue more thoroughly. This method is explained below:

1. Rest

As soon as you feel pain in your tissue or knee, pay attention to it and take a rest. It is possible that in the first 2-3 days, you do not bother the pain as it will be minor or think of it as ‘no pain, no gain’, but this will only worsen the condition.

Rest will also help to prevent further bruising. Avoid putting as well as carrying heavy weight for two days.

Also Read : Five Benefits Of Sports Physiotherapy For Athletes

2. Ice

Ice is an accurate tool that can help you reduce pain and prevent swelling. You can apply an ice pack with the help of a lightweight and absorbent towel which will also prevent frostbite.

You can ice apply to your ACL torn tissue area for about 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours in the first 2-3 days of your injury.

If you do not have an ice pack, then there is no need to worry. This is because, in that case, you can use frozen peas bags, frozen corn bags, etc.

3. Compression

This means that you should wrap the area which is injured with a piece of cloth or something so that it can be prevented from further swelling. Remember that you should not cover the injured area too tight as it might interrupt blood flow.

It would be best if you immediately lost the bandage. When the skin below the wrapped area becomes numb, turns blue, feels cold, etc., you should consult your physical therapist if these symptoms take time to disappear.

Also Read : 36 Questions Should I Ask A Physiotherapist?

4. Elevation

This means that raising the injured part has torn tissue above the level of your heart. This can help to reduce pain, swelling, throbbing, etc.

It is not at all difficult to do this as you can quickly raise the level with the help of a pillow. CDC recommends that you submit the status of your injured part whenever possible.

Also Read : 15 Benefits Of Physical Therapy (PT)

ACL surgery and physical therapy

When ACL tears are severe, you might need knee surgery so that your tissue or ligament can heal fully. Physical therapy is also recommended after operative rehabilitation and pre-surgery preparation.

The main focus of physical therapy before the surgery is to reduce pain and swelling. This way, your leg will be prepared for operation or surgery. Your physical therapist will tell you which exercise you must do after the surgery.

Also Read : Benefits Of Massage In Physical Therapy

Conclusion

Make sure that you follow the recommendations of your doctor. Your physical therapist might also prescribe some medications according to the intensity of your ACL torn tissue pain and swelling. Take those medications on time.