Non-surgical therapy shows promise in healing knee injuries, but skepticism remains
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that a nonsurgical treatment, including physical therapy and a bracing protocol, could be as effective as surgery in healing torn ACLs. The study found that 90% of ACL tears in 80 participants showed signs of healing on an MRI after following the new bracing protocol. Patients wore a brace for a month to keep their knees at a 90-degree angle, followed by physical therapy to increase range of motion. Many patients reported good knee stability and function, and were able to return to their sport a year later. The research has sparked controversy among surgeons who perform ACL reconstructions, but some experts believe that nonoperative treatment could be a viable option for those who don't play professional sports or can't undergo surgery due to financial or health complications.