What is it?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key stabilising ligament inside the knee. ACL tears commonly occur in sports involving sudden direction changes, landing from a jump, or direct impact. They can be managed conservatively (physiotherapy) or surgically, depending on the patient and goals.
Common causes
- Sudden twisting or pivoting of the knee
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Direct impact to the knee
- Deceleration injuries in sports
- Weak hip and knee muscles that fail to protect the joint
Signs and symptoms
- A sudden "pop" or giving way at the time of injury
- Immediate significant swelling
- Severe pain, inability to continue activity
- Knee instability or feeling of the knee "giving way"
- Restricted range of movement
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Pre-surgical prehabilitation to improve post-operative outcomes
- Progressive strengthening: quads, hamstrings, hip abductors
- Neuromuscular retraining and proprioception exercises
- Sport-specific agility and return-to-sport training
- Strict return-to-sport criteria before clearance
What you can do at home
- Follow the RICE protocol in the first 48–72 hours (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Do not return to sport without physiotherapy clearance
- Perform prescribed quad sets and straight leg raises in the early phase
- Use crutches if walking is painful — do not push through instability
When to visit VPARC
Seek assessment within 1–2 weeks of a knee injury with significant swelling or instability. ACL rehabilitation at VPARC follows evidence-based protocols with clear return-to-sport milestones.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our ACL Rehabilitation in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.