Can an ACL Tear Heal on Its Own?

If you tear your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while running or playing sports, you may hope the injury can heal without surgery or physical therapy. But is that expectation realistic?

At Performance Therapy Institute, with offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Nolensville, Tennessee, our experienced team has years of experience treating ACL tears of all severities. Keep reading to learn about the different types of ACL tears and what to expect as your body heals.

What is an ACL tear?

The ACL is one of four major ligaments in your knee joint. It’s located near the front of your knee cap and connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia), helping to prevent your knee from overextending. 

The ACL is strong and plays a crucial role in activities like walking, running, and exercising. However, if you bend or twist your knee too far, it can develop a small tear or even rip completely apart.

ACL tears are typically categorized into three grades:

Grade 1

A grade 1 tear occurs when your ACL is overextended but remains intact, holding your knee bones together.

Grade 2

A grade 2 tear occurs when your ACL is overextended to the point of partial tearing, causing it to loosely hold your knee bones together.

Grade 3

A grade 3 tear results in a complete rupture of your ACL, splitting the ligament into two separate pieces.

ACL tears typically present similar symptoms regardless of severity, including:

• Knee pain
• Knee instability
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Reduced range of motion

Often, the first sign of an ACL injury is a sudden pop or click during physical activity.

Can an ACL tear heal on its own?

Whether or not an ACL tear can heal on its own depends on several factors, including the tear’s location and its severity. While there is some evidence that certain tears can heal without intervention, this is the exception, not the rule.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect from treatment based on the severity of your ACL tear:

Grade 1

These low-grade tears are the most likely to heal on their own. For example, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) can help ease pain, increase blood flow to the injured ACL, and promote healing. 

Grade 2

Grade 2 ACL tears can also benefit from the RICE protocol, but they typically need more specialized treatments as well. For example, we could recommend wearing a knee brace to support your joint while it heals and enrolling in physical therapy. Physical therapy uses stretches and strengthening exercises to restore your range of motion and promote knee stability.

Grade 3

Since grade 3 tears cause your ACL to separate into two pieces, surgery is the best, most effective way to repair the damage. This is particularly true if you run or play sports. Repairing the ACL restores knee stability, prevents further damage, and allows you to return to activity more quickly.

What type of ACL treatment is right for me?

If you’re concerned that you’ve overextended or torn your ACL, contact our nearest office immediately. After a comprehensive physical exam and diagnostic imaging, we can determine what grade your tear is and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Our team takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating ACL tears whenever possible. However, severe tears often require surgery. We use a minimally invasive approach featuring small incisions that heal quickly. This reduces the risk of setbacks so you can return to your favorite activities quickly.

Don’t wait to schedule treatment for an ACL tear

An ACL tear can be painful and keep you from running and playing sports, but prompt intervention can reduce the risk of long-term damage and help you return to the court or playing field. Contact us today if you suspect an ACL tear. Call our nearest office or request a consultation online.