ACL Tear Pain Relief

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is a relatively common knee injury among athletes, typically from a sudden directional change or direct contact to the knee. The ACL is an important ligament that is located in the middle of the knee and provides stability for the knee joint. A tear can occur when the ligament is over-stretched or if it experiences a direct hit. Depending on the severity of the tear, symptoms range from mild instability to complete rupture of the ligament.

Symptoms of an ACL tear include immediate and severe pain that often requires a person to stop their activity right away. While some acute knee injuries can cause the knee to swell immediately, an ACL tear may not create noticeable swelling until after several hours or even days. The affected area may also feel weak and unstable when weight is applied, such as when attempting to stand or walk. Individuals with an ACL tear may also hear a “pop” sound at the time of injury due to the tearing of the major ligament in the knee.

When it comes to treatment of an ACL tear, there are a number of professional treatments that can be explored. Of the most common treatments, chiropractic care is often recommended as chiropractors are able to assess muscles and joint health, detect potential irritants and help promote healing. Physiotherapy can then be used to help alleviate pain, correct any strength deficiencies and improve range of motion–all important elements when regaining top physical form. Finally, massage therapy may also be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with ACL tears and speed up the rehabilitation process; massage therapy helps increase blood flow for improved healing. All three of these treatments can prove beneficial, so those looking for relief from an ACL tear should consult their chiropractor or health care professional for advice on which path may be best for them.