My ACL injury

[violablue]

Hi Malike,

I'm including a link that gives some basic info on ACL surgery vs 'conservative treatment.'

Your ACL is torn, is that a complete tear? Was your meniscus also injured. Are you experiencing swelling? Swelling in the knee will cause pain and stiffness while also causing reduced range of motion and strength in the knee. Reducing any swelling with ice, compression, and elevation of the leg can help improve things quite a bit.

Conservative treatment is definitely an option with ACL, especially as you may not have access to surgery presently, except out-of-pocket. Bracing can help stabilize the knee to help reduce further issues with re-injuring, as well as reducing the strain on stabilizing muscles. Strength training can improve your strength. Foam rolling, stretching, myofascial work can reduce issues with muscle knots/trigger points. Heat is excellent for loosening tight and knotted muscles. A physio would also do manual therapy/hands on to mobilize the knee and so on. There are many modality treatment options that can be helpful, as well.

If you have diabetes, some type of skin issue, desensitization of the skin, etc, heat and ice may be contraindicated.

How are you presently sleeping/laying? I take it you are having trouble sleeping due to pain?

[violablue]

I should add that link for ACL Conservative Rx vs Surgery.