ACL injuries are among the most common in field sports, requiring long-term rehabilitation and dedication from the injured individual. In recent years, advancements in research have led to updates in ACL rehabilitation protocols. The latest evidence suggests that instead of delaying weight-bearing and restricting the range of motion (ROM), early rehabilitation with weight-bearing exercises offers better outcomes for recovery (1).

Conservative Management in ACL Rehabilitation

ACL rehabilitation can follow two primary approaches: conservative and non-conservative management. Conservative management is typically suited for individuals with more sedentary lifestyles, although several other factors must be considered when choosing this approach. These factors include the patient’s age, pre-injury activity level, the condition and integrity of the ACL bundles, and the presence of any mid-substance ruptures.

Conservative management focuses on physiotherapy treatments such as optimal loading, anti-inflammatory strategies, activity modification, and targeted exercise therapy. However, if pain and instability persist despite physiotherapy interventions, ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended as the next course of action.