NEW RESEARCH: Full ACL Tears May Not Always Require Surgery!
By Dr. Mo Mommersteeg, Chiropractor
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, often occurring during sports or traumatic accidents. Traditionally, ACL reconstruction surgery has been the standard treatment. In fact, in Australia alone, ACL surgeries have increased by 43% over the past decade.
However, recent research shows that non-surgical rehabilitation can be a safe and effective alternative, challenging the traditional “surgery-first” approach.
At Momentum Health & Chiro in Townsville, our chiropractors use evidence-based strategies to support ACL recovery through non-surgical interventions, helping patients regain strength, stability, and function.
Understanding the ACL
The ACL is a key ligament in the knee, responsible for detecting changes in direction, knee position, speed, and joint stability. When the ACL tears, you may experience:
A popping sensation or sound
Swelling and pain
Knee instability
Difficulty with physical activities
While surgical reconstruction has long been considered the “gold standard,” research now shows that structured non-surgical rehabilitation can deliver excellent outcomes for many patients.
The Evolving Approach: Non-Surgical Rehabilitation
1. Early Intervention and Structured Rehab
Studies highlight the importance of starting rehabilitation soon after injury. Supervised programs tailored to your needs improve:
Range of motion
Muscle strength
Joint stability
Structured progression ensures safe recovery without overloading the knee.
2. Targeted Strengthening and Neuromuscular Training
Non-surgical rehab focuses on:
Strengthening key muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
Improving knee stability
Neuromuscular exercises such as balance and proprioception drills to reduce risk of re-injury
3. Biomechanical Analysis and Individualised Care
Advanced technology, such as motion capture and force platforms, can analyse your movement patterns. This allows therapists to:
Identify movements that increase ACL injury risk
Tailor exercises to your specific deficits
Improve outcomes and prevent future injuries
Benefits of Non-Surgical Rehabilitation
Choosing non-surgical rehab can offer several advantages:
Avoidance of Surgical Risks: No anesthesia, no risk of infection, blood clots, or other surgical complications.
Faster Recovery: Rehab can begin immediately, helping you regain function sooner.
Cost-Effective: Avoid hospital stays and surgical expenses while still achieving strong outcomes.
The Takeaway
Research is showing that ACL tears don’t always require surgery. At Momentum Health & Chiro, our chiropractors focus on:
Early intervention
Targeted strengthening
Individualised rehabilitation
If you or someone you know has experienced an ACL tear, it’s important to know that surgery isn’t the only option. Non-surgical rehabilitation can help restore knee function, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life.
