An ACL tear can bring you up short. Whether it happens while playing sports, working out, or through an unexpected fall, this knee injury can make even simple movements painful. The good news? With the right ACL tear treatment—including physiotherapy or ACL reconstruction surgery—you can be back on your feet and in action once again.

 

In this blog, we will explain different ACL tear treatment options, outline a recovery timeline and provide tips on how to safely gain strength, stability and confidence.

 

What is an ACL Tear?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a band inside your knee that helps your knee stay steady. When it tears, your knee feels unstable, and you may hear a popping sound. Walking becomes more difficult and the knee begins to swell and bend.

 

When Do You Need ACL Surgery?

Surgery is not needed in every ACL injury. 

  • A small tear can be treated with rest, physiotherapy and bracing.

  • But if your knee is not responding or you want to get back to your daily routine, or if you want to return to sports, in such cases, ACL reconstruction surgery is recommended.

What Happens In ACL Reconstruction Surgery

In ACL reconstruction surgery, the torn ligament is replaced with a graft—often taken from your own body or a donor. This helps restore stability and strength to the knee.

 

Modern ACL surgeries use minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain and speed up recovery.

 

ACL repair vs. ACL reconstruction: What's Better?

Procedure

Description

ACL Repair

In rare cases, if the ligament is torn from the bone but still healthy, doctors can reattach it.

ACL Reconstruction

The most common method, where the ligament is replaced with a graft for better long-term results.

 

ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery is a journey, while everyone has a different healing time. Here is a general guide for ACL Reconstruction recovery:

  1. First 2 weeks: gentle movement can be done as pain improves, swelling goes down.

  2. 4 to 6 weeks: You can walk without support and can start light exercise as well.

  3. 3 to 4 months: knee regain strength and motion, and you can do most of the daily activities.

  4. 6 to 9 months: With proper rehab, you can start heavy exercise, sports, and all heavy activities

Best Exercise After ACL Reconstruction

To recover fast, physiotherapy is the main key.

  • Ankle Pumps & Heel Slides – these reduce swelling and improve movement 

  • Quad Sets & Straight Leg Raises – to strengthen thigh muscles.

  • Mini Squats & Hamstring Curls – to rebuild stability.

  • Balance Training & Step-Ups – for better control and confidence.

  • Cycling or light jogging – only after your doctor’s approval.

Conclusion

An ACL tear can delay your activities for a time, but it doesn't mean you have to say bye to your active lifestyle. With effective ACL tear treatment options including reconstruction surgery,  with good quality directed physiotherapy, you will be able to return to your sports, gym, or everyday life with safety. 

 

Dr. Yugal, an orthopaedic specialist with 14+ years of experience, provides effective care as the best orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon, who supports patients through the entire journey of recovery so that patients can regain strength, confidence, and mobility.