Some ACL injuries may be treatable with physical therapy and home care. The point of physical therapy is to rehabilitate a part of the body that has been injured by prescribing specific exercises. These exercises are meant to improve flexibility and strength in and around the injured joint. Physical therapy, combined with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, may be sufficient for an ACL sprain. In other cases of more significant injury or tear, physical therapy is a complement to surgery.
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy as a precursor to surgery to begin strengthening the area around the joint. Then, after surgery, you may complete several physical therapy sessions that will help restore mobility and flexibility to the ligament and surrounding muscle and tissues.