Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

Other Treatment

Other treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries includes physical rehabilitation to:

  • Restore function and stability in the knee.
  • Strengthen muscles around the knee.
  • Protect the ACL and your knee joint from further injury.
  • Allow you to return to most activities done before the injury. If rehabilitation is done without surgery, recurrent instability may be a problem during some movements.

You may choose to treat an ACL injury with rehabilitation alone. If you have surgery, rehabilitation will also be part of your treatment.

Other Treatment Choices

Physical rehabilitation

What To Think About

Physical rehabilitation to treat ACL injuries, both with and without surgery, can be a long and rigorous program.

Physical rehabilitation done before surgery helps your recovery after surgery.

Some people who initially choose not to have surgery eventually need to have it.

People who choose not to have ACL surgery may be less likely to return to competitive sports than those who choose to have it.


Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Robin Parks, MS
Ralph Poore
Last Updated: May 19, 2006
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD - Physical Therapy
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
Arrow PointerOther Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
 Credits