Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be necessary. For partial ACL tears, many patients are able to find relief through conservative therapies including physical therapy. However, surgical intervention is always almost necessary for complete tears, where the ligament is almost completely nonfunctioning.

The decision to undergo surgery is reliant on the severity of the tear, the patient’s functional goals, and the recommendation of the orthopedic surgeon.

Upon completion of the surgical procedure, patients are typically advised to rest and elevate their leg to minimize swelling and discomfort. Physical therapy sessions start soon after, primarily focused on regaining the range of motion in the knee joint through gradual exercises. As weeks progress, strength training exercises are incorporated to improve muscle stability around the knee area. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their recovery, engaging in regular home exercise routines as assigned by their therapist.