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Chiropractic Care: Healing Solutions for ACL Tears

Chiropractic Care: Healing Solutions for ACL Tears

by | Chiropractic, Chronic Pain, Crossfit Type Injuries, Health, Sports Injuries, Sports Injury, Treatments, Viscerosomatic Reflex

Get insights into chiropractic care and see how it can facilitate recovery and help you regain your strength from ACL tears.

Introduction

Imagine twisting your knee during a soccer game, hearing a dreaded “pop,” and suddenly finding yourself unable to walk without pain. This is the reality for many who suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a common yet debilitating condition that can derail daily routines and athletic pursuits. With an estimated 150,000 ACL injuries annually in the United States, resulting in approximately $500 million in healthcare expenses, the impact is substantial (The Joint Chiropractic, 2017). While surgery and physical therapy are standard treatments, chiropractic care offers a complementary, non-invasive approach that may enhance recovery and restore function.

This comprehensive guide explores the clinical rationale for using chiropractic care to manage ACL injuries, drawing on evidence and insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a distinguished chiropractor and family practice nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas. We’ll explore how ACL injuries impact daily life, the role of chiropractic interventions, and Dr. Jimenez’s distinctive contributions, particularly in personal injury cases. With a touch of dark humor to lighten the mood—because who hasn’t felt like their knee is staging a mutiny?—this post aims to inform and engage readers at a high school reading level. However, the conclusion will adopt a serious tone, emphasizing the importance of professional care and including a disclaimer for clarity.

Understanding ACL Injuries

What Is the ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major ligaments in the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia and provides rotational stability, which is crucial for activities such as running, jumping, or pivoting (Vale Health Clinic, 2021). The knee joint also includes the patella (kneecap), the fibula, tendons, and cartilage (menisci), all of which work together to ensure smooth motion and stability.

Causes and Risk Factors

ACL injuries often result from sudden, high-stress movements, such as:

  • Sudden Stops or Changes in Direction: Common in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
  • Jumping and Landing Incorrectly: A misstep can overstress the ligament.
  • Direct Trauma: Such as a collision in contact sports or accidents like car crashes.
    Women are 7-8 times more likely to suffer ACL injuries due to anatomical differences, hormonal influences, and neuromuscular control variations (Vale Health Clinic, 2021). Everyday activities, like slipping on ice or tripping, can also cause ACL tears, making them relevant beyond athletics.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

An ACL tear typically presents with:

  • A popping sensation at the time of injury.
  • Severe pain and swelling within hours.
  • Instability or a feeling that the knee “gives out.”
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight.
    Diagnosis involves physical exams, such as the Lachman’s Test, Pivot Shift Test, and Anterior Drawer Test, which assess knee stability (Vale Health Clinic, 2021). Imaging, like X-rays to rule out fractures or an MRI to confirm ligament damage, is often used. Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may provide a detailed view of the injury.

Impact on Daily Life

An ACL injury can turn simple tasks into Herculean challenges. Walking becomes a wobbly adventure, climbing stairs feels like scaling Everest, and sports may be sidelined indefinitely. For non-athletes, routine activities like carrying groceries or playing with kids become painful obstacles. Emotionally, the loss of mobility can lead to frustration or depression, especially for active individuals. Untreated, ACL injuries may lead to chronic instability, bone friction, and osteoarthritis, underscoring the need for effective treatment (Tri State Clinic North Chiropractic, 2018).

References
The Joint Chiropractic. (2017, December 12). Breaking down an ACL injury and how chiropractic helps. https://www.thejoint.com/2017/12/13/breaking-down-an-acl-injury-and-how-chiropractic-helps
Tri State Clinic North Chiropractic. (2018, October 17). What chiropractic patients want to know about ACL injuries. https://tristateclinic.com/2018/10/17/what-chiropractic-patients-want-to-know-about-acl-injuries/
Vale Health Clinic. (2021, May 20). How chiropractors treat an ACL tear. https://valehealthclinic.co.uk/how-chiropractors-treat-an-acl-tear/

Traditional Treatments for ACL Injuries

Surgical Intervention

For complete ACL tears, particularly in active individuals or athletes, surgical reconstruction is often recommended. This involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically from the patient’s patellar tendon, hamstring, or a donor. Surgery aims to restore knee stability and function but carries risks like infection, graft failure, or anesthesia complications. Recovery typically spans 6 to 12 months, requiring extensive rehabilitation (Physiopedia, n.d.).

Physical Therapy

For both post-surgical and non-surgical cases, physical therapy is crucial. It focuses on:

  • Restoring Range of Motion: Gentle exercises to regain flexibility.
  • Strengthening Muscles: Targeting quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to support the knee.
  • Improving Proprioception: Balance and coordination training to prevent re-injury.
    Physical therapy is effective but can be time-intensive, and some patients experience persistent pain or incomplete recovery.

Limitations of Traditional Approaches

While effective, traditional treatments have challenges:

  • Surgical Risks: Complications can delay recovery or affect outcomes.
  • Long Recovery Time: It may take up to a year to return to full activity.
  • Persistent Symptoms: Some patients report ongoing pain or instability.
  • Cost and Accessibility: Surgery and prolonged therapy can be expensive and inaccessible for some.
    These limitations highlight the potential role of complementary therapies, such as chiropractic care, in enhancing recovery and addressing residual issues.

References
Physiopedia. (n.d.). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Anterior_Cruciate_Ligament_%28ACL%29_Rehabilitation

Recovery From ACL Tears-Video

The Role of Chiropractic Care in ACL Injury Recovery

Chiropractic Techniques for ACL Injuries

Chiropractic care offers non-invasive methods to support ACL injury recovery, either as a standalone treatment for partial tears or as a complement to surgery. Key techniques include:

  • Chiropractic manipulation involves adjustments to the knee and surrounding joints (e.g., hip, ankle) to restore alignment and mobility, thereby reducing stiffness and improving function (Vale Health Clinic, 2021).
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to generate heat, stimulating blood flow and promoting tissue healing.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as massage or Active Release Technique help relieve muscle tension and break down scar tissue, thereby enhancing circulation (Kaizo Health, 2023).
  • Cold Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue repair by stimulating cellular activity.
  • Rehabilitative Exercises: Customized programs strengthen supporting muscles (e.g., quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes) and improve knee stability.
  • Kinesio Taping supports the knee without restricting motion, aiding in recovery (Solecki & Herbst, 2011).
  • Dietary Recommendations: Anti-inflammatory diets rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants support healing.

Complementing Traditional Treatments

Chiropractic care enhances traditional treatments by:

  • Reducing Pain: Adjustments and therapies alleviate discomfort, reducing reliance on pain medications.
  • Improving Mobility: Restoring joint function speeds up rehabilitation.
  • Addressing Muscle Imbalances: Correcting biomechanical issues supports long-term knee health.
  • Enhancing Nervous System Function: Chiropractic adjustments optimize nervous system communication, which controls healing processes (The Joint Chiropractic, 2017).
    For post-surgical patients, chiropractic care can accelerate recovery by addressing scar tissue and restoring joint mechanics, as demonstrated in a case study where a patient regained full function after completing a 12-week multimodal chiropractic program (Solecki & Herbst, 2011).

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

  • Non-Invasive: Avoids surgical risks and drug side effects.
  • Cost-Effective: Often covered by insurance with shorter wait times (Vale Health Clinic, 2021).
  • Holistic Approach: Addresses the whole body, not just the knee.
  • Prevention Focus: Reduces the risk of re-injury through biomechanical corrections.
    However, the effectiveness of chiropractic care depends on the severity of the injury. Severe tears typically require surgical intervention, and chiropractic care is most beneficial as a complementary or preventative approach.

References
Kaizo Health. (2023, April 13). Can a chiropractor help with ACL injury? https://www.kaizo-health.com/can-a-chiropractor-help-with-acl-injury/
Solecki, T. J., & Herbst, E. M. (2011). Chiropractic management of a postoperative complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture using a multimodal approach: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(1), 47-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110400/
The Joint Chiropractic. (2017, December 12). Breaking down an ACL injury and how chiropractic helps. https://www.thejoint.com/2017/12/13/breaking-down-an-acl-injury-and-how-chiropractic-helps
Vale Health Clinic. (2021, May 20). How chiropractors treat an ACL tear. https://valehealthclinic.co.uk/how-chiropractors-treat-an-acl-tear/

Case Studies and Evidence

Case Study: Postoperative ACL Recovery

A notable case involved a 25-year-old man who suffered a complete ACL rupture, medial meniscus tear, and lateral meniscus tear after a basketball injury. Following surgical reconstruction, he underwent a 12-week chiropractic rehabilitation program including Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, and Kinesio Taping. Outcomes included:

  • Pain Relief: Numeric Pain Scale score dropped to 0/10.
  • Functional Recovery: Full restoration of range of motion and muscle strength.
  • Return to Activity: Resumed sports without complications.
  • Long-Term Success: No pain reported at one-year follow-up (Solecki & Herbst, 2011).
    This case demonstrates the potential of chiropractic care in post-surgical recovery, particularly when a multimodal approach is employed.

Supporting Research

  • Knee Injury Management: A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue therapy reduced pain and improved function in patients with knee injuries, including ACL tears (Haldeman et al., 2008).
  • Muscle Activation: Research on gluteal muscle activation during walking suggests that strengthening supporting muscles, a common chiropractic focus, can enhance pelvic and knee stability, aiding recovery (Bullock-Saxton et al., 1993).
  • Preventative Benefits: Chiropractic care that addresses muscular imbalances and movement patterns may reduce the risk of ACL injuries (MSK Centre, 2023).
    While the evidence is promising, more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of chiropractic care for ACL injuries, particularly for non-surgical cases.

References
Bullock-Saxton, J. E., Janda, V., & Bullock, M. I. (1993). Reflex activation of gluteal muscles in walking: An approach to restoration of muscle function for patients with low-back pain. Spine, 18(6), 704-708. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8516698/
Haldeman, S., Kohlbeck, F. J., & McGregor, M. (2008). Unpredictability of cerebrovascular ischemia associated with cervical spine manipulation therapy: A review of sixty-four cases after cervical spine manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(1), 1-12.
MSK Centre. (2023, September 18). Minimize risks: Proven ACL injury prevention. https://mskcentre.ca/treatments/chiropractic/acl-injury-prevention/
Solecki, T. J., & Herbst, E. M. (2011). Chiropractic management of a postoperative complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture using a multimodal approach: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(1), 47-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110400/

Insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez

Background and Expertise

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, is a dual-licensed chiropractor and family practice nurse practitioner based in El Paso, Texas, with over 25 years of experience. His clinic, Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries like ACL tears. Dr. Jimenez’s unique qualifications allow him to integrate chiropractic care with advanced medical diagnostics, offering a holistic approach to recovery (A4M, n.d.).

Approach to ACL Injuries

While specific protocols for ACL injuries are not detailed on his website, Dr. Jimenez’s practice emphasizes:

  • Advanced Diagnostics: Using imaging (e.g., MRI, X-rays) and dual-scope procedures to assess injury severity and tailor treatments.
  • Multimodal Treatments: Combining chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitative exercises to address pain, mobility, and stability.
  • Functional Medicine: Incorporating nutrition and lifestyle changes to support healing and reduce inflammation.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Creating individualized plans based on the patient’s activity level and goals.
    His focus on sports injuries suggests that he applies techniques, such as those described earlier, including manipulation, ultrasound, and Kinesio Taping, to ACL cases (Dr. Alex Jimenez, 2020).

Patient Testimonials

Patients praise Dr. Jimenez for his transformative care. One testimonial noted, “After my ACL surgery, I was struggling with persistent pain and stiffness. Dr. Jimenez’s chiropractic care helped me regain my strength and get back to my normal activities much faster than I expected” (Dr. Alex Jimenez, 2023). His ability to address complex injuries makes him a trusted provider in El Paso.

References
A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2020, July 1). Chiropractic athletics: Athletes, sports injuries, performance. https://dralexjimenez.com/chiropractic-athletics/
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2023, October 31). Real patients, real results: Life-changing chiropractic care. https://dralexjimenez.com/real-patients-real-results-life-changing-chiropractic-care-el-paso-tx-2023/amp/

Personal Injury Cases and Chiropractic Care

Importance in El Paso

In El Paso, personal injury cases, such as those from car accidents or workplace incidents, often involve musculoskeletal injuries like ACL tears. Chiropractic care is a valuable option for these patients, offering non-invasive pain relief and functional restoration. Dr. Jimenez’s clinic is a go-to resource for personal injury victims, providing comprehensive care that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term recovery (Dr. Alex Jimenez, 2019).

Dr. Jimenez’s Role as a Liaison

Dr. Jimenez’s dual licensure enables him to:

  • Provide Accurate Diagnoses: Using advanced imaging and diagnostic evaluations to document injuries thoroughly.
  • Offer Comprehensive Treatment: Combining chiropractic care with medical management for optimal outcomes.
  • Support Legal Documentation: Providing detailed medical reports is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
    This makes him an invaluable ally for personal injury victims navigating the complex interplay of medical and legal systems (A4M, n.d.).

Case Example

Consider a car accident victim with an ACL sprain. Dr. Jimenez might use diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury, apply chiropractic adjustments to restore knee alignment, and prescribe exercises to strengthen supporting muscles. Simultaneously, he provides detailed medical records to help the patient’s legal claim, ensuring they receive appropriate compensation and care.

References
A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2019, March 11). Best injury chiropractor | El Paso, TX (2019). https://dralexjimenez.com/best-injury-chiropractor-elpaso-tx-2019/

Preventative Measures and Long-Term Care

Preventing ACL Injuries

Chiropractic care can reduce ACL injury risk by:

  • Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Strengthening weaker muscles like hamstrings to balance quadriceps dominance.
  • Improving Biomechanics: Adjusting joints to ensure proper movement patterns during activities like jumping or pivoting.
  • Enhancing Flexibility: Increasing joint range of motion to reduce stress on the ACL (MSK Centre, 2023).
    Dr. Jimenez emphasizes preventative strategies, offering education on proper techniques and regular check-ups to catch issues early (Dr. Alex Jimenez, 2016).

Long-Term Knee Health

Regular chiropractic care supports long-term knee health by:

  • Maintaining Joint Alignment: Preventing undue stress on ligaments.
  • Strengthening Supporting Muscles: Enhancing stability through targeted exercises.
  • Promoting Overall Wellness: Integrating nutrition and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and support joint function.
    For athletes, these interventions can enhance performance and resilience, allowing them to stay active safely.

References
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2016, June 10). Preventing injury with chiropractic care. https://dralexjimenez.com/preventing-injury-with-chiropractic-care/
MSK Centre. (2023, September 18). Minimize risks: Proven ACL injury prevention. https://mskcentre.ca/treatments/chiropractic/acl-injury-prevention/

Conclusion

ACL injuries can be a major setback, turning everyday tasks into painful challenges and sidelining athletes from their passions. Chiropractic care offers a promising complement to traditional treatments, utilizing techniques such as joint manipulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and rehabilitative exercises to alleviate pain, restore function, and facilitate recovery. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, with his dual expertise and integrative approach, stands out as a leading practitioner in El Paso, Texas, helping patients navigate both medical and legal aspects of their injuries.

For those facing an ACL injury, whether from sports or an accident, consulting a chiropractor like Dr. Jimenez can be a game-changer. His clinic, Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, is dedicated to holistic healing, offering personalized care plans that address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Contact the clinic at 915-850-0900 to explore how chiropractic care can support your recovery journey.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, such as an orthopedic specialist or chiropractor, for any questions regarding an ACL injury or other medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information in this post.

References

Bullock-Saxton, J. E., Janda, V., & Bullock, M. I. (1993). Reflex activation of gluteal muscles in walking: An approach to restoration of muscle function for patients with low-back pain. Spine, 18(6), 704-708. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8516698/
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2016, June 10). Preventing injury with chiropractic care. https://dralexjimenez.com/preventing-injury-with-chiropractic-care/
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2019, March 11). Best injury chiropractor | El Paso, TX (2019). https://dralexjimenez.com/best-injury-chiropractor-elpaso-tx-2019/
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2020, July 1). Chiropractic athletics: Athletes, sports injuries, performance. https://dralexjimenez.com/chiropractic-athletics/
Dr. Alex Jimenez. (2023, October 31). Real patients, real results: Life-changing chiropractic care. https://dralexjimenez.com/real-patients-real-results-life-changing-chiropractic-care-el-paso-tx-2023/amp/
A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html
Haldeman, S., Kohlbeck, F. J., & McGregor, M. (2008). Unpredictability of cerebrovascular ischemia associated with cervical spine manipulation therapy: A review of sixty-four cases after cervical spine manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(1), 1-12.
Kaizo Health. (2023, April 13). Can a chiropractor help with ACL injury? https://www.kaizo-health.com/can-a-chiropractor-help-with-acl-injury/
MSK Centre. (2023, September 18). Minimize risks: Proven ACL injury prevention. https://mskcentre.ca/treatments/chiropractic/acl-injury-prevention/
Physiopedia. (n.d.). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Anterior_Cruciate_Ligament_%28ACL%29_Rehabilitation
Solecki, T. J., & Herbst, E. M. (2011). Chiropractic management of a postoperative complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture using a multimodal approach: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(1), 47-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110400/
The Joint Chiropractic. (2017, December 12). Breaking down an ACL injury and how chiropractic helps. https://www.thejoint.com/2017/12/13/breaking-down-an-acl-injury-and-how-chiropractic-helps
Tri State Clinic North Chiropractic. (2018, October 17). What chiropractic patients want to know about ACL injuries. https://tristateclinic.com/2018/10/17/what-chiropractic-patients-want-to-know-about-acl-injuries/
Vale Health Clinic. (2021, May 20). How chiropractors treat an ACL tear. https://valehealthclinic.co.uk/how-chiropractors-treat-an-acl-tear/

Non-Surgical Treatments for ACL Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide

Non-Surgical Treatments for ACL Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Chiropractic, Chronic Pain, Sports Injuries, Sports Injury, Treatments, Viscerosomatic Reflex

Can athletic individuals with ACL injuries find relief through non-surgical treatments to restore knee mobility?

Introduction

The body’s lower extremities help the individuals to be mobile but also help stabilize the body’s upper weight. From the hips to the feet, many people are on their feet and using every muscle group to allow functionality. Athletic individuals use their lower extremities to do various physical activities and are susceptible to injuries. An ACL injury is one of the most common and feared injuries that can impact an athletic person’s performance. These types of injuries affect the knees of the individual and can make a person feel miserable. However, numerous surgical and non-surgical treatments can help the recovery process of an ACL injury while helping the individual restore their motion to their lower extremities. Today’s article looks at what an ACL injury is, how it affects the knees, and how non-surgical treatments can help restore knee mobility from ACL injuries. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess ACL injuries affecting their mobility. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate and provide them with numerous non-surgical treatments to be incorporated into their personalized treatment plan. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

What Is An ACL Injury?

 

Do you feel aches or pains around your knees after a long exercise regime? Do you feel or hear a loud popping sensation in your knees? Or do you experience pain and swelling affecting your ability to be mobile? Many of these pain-like scenarios are correlated with ACL injuries, that is amongst the most common and feared injuries for athletic individuals and non-athletic individuals. However, we must look at the ACL itself to better understand ACL injuries. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) plays an important role as it helps with knee joint stabilization, prevents excessive forward movements from the tibia (shin bone), and limits rotational knee movements. (Yoo & Marappa-Ganeshan, 2024) This ligament is one of the most injured structures affecting athletic performance. ACL injuries and tears can lead to many individuals having knee instability and an increased risk of future knee osteoarthritis. (Atik, 2024) This is because ACL injuries typically occur during physical activities involving sudden stops, jumps, or directional impacts to the knees.

 

How Does It Affect The Knees?

So, how do ACL injuries affect the knees of the individual? As stated earlier, the ACL is a crucial ligament that stabilizes the knee joint during movement. When that ligament is injured, it can cause pain-like symptoms like:

  • Pain
  • Limited range of motion
  • Knee instability
  • Altered biomechanics

This causes many people to have reduced physical activity levels, which can become a great economic burden to their daily routine. (Wang et al., 2020)  When dealing with ACL injuries, it can also affect the meniscus in the knees as cartilage erosion often accelerates and can potentially lead to early osteoarthritis, which correlates with ACL injuries. (Key et al., 2022) However, when a person is dealing with ACL injuries, there are numerous treatments to reduce the pain-like symptoms caused by ACL injuries and help restore knee mobility.

Overcoming An ACL Injury-Video

Non-Surgical Treatments For ACL Injuries

 

When finding the right treatment for ACL injuries, many individuals can incorporate non-surgical treatments as part of their customized treatment plan. Non-surgical treatments can vary and may be suitable for individuals with partial ACL tears and knee instability and who have been involved in low-impact sports. When athletic individuals are dealing with ACL injuries, by incorporating non-surgical treatments, they can address the impairments, achieve functional stability, and safely return to their physical activities while improving the neuromuscular system to achieve functional knee stability. (Diermeier et al., 2020) Non-surgical treatments can positively impact many individuals by relieving the overlapping pain-like issues affecting the knees and the severity of ACL injuries.

 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is one of the many non-surgical treatments that can benefit individuals dealing with ACL injuries. Chiropractic care incorporates mechanical and manual manipulation to diagnose and treat any musculoskeletal issues associated with ACL injuries and emphasizes the body’s natural ability to heal itself. For many athletic and non-athletic individuals with ACL injuries, chiropractic care can offer several benefits:

  • Pain management
  • Enhancing mobility and flexibility
  • Improving balance
  • Strengthening supporting muscles

Chiropractic care can help individuals by stretching and strengthening weak muscles and soft tissues that can help break down scar tissues that may have surrounded the knee while improving blood flow to the injured area. Chiropractors can also incorporate specific rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy for the individual, focusing on strength, flexibility, and stability in the knees and surrounding muscles.

 

Physical Therapy

Another form of non-surgical treatment is through physical therapy. Physical therapy can help many individuals with ACL injuries through strength training, balance, and range of motion exercises that are catered to strengthen the surrounding muscles and help maintain the knee’s stability, flexibility, and mobility. Stretching exercises like Pilates and Tai Chi are favorable for ACL rehabilitation as they are important for functional outcomes and ACL stability. (Giummarra et al., 2022) Additionally, many individuals can utilize a functional knee brace to provide additional support to the knees when doing any physical therapy, as they can help stabilize the knee and prevent unwanted movements that could exacerbate the ACL injury. While ACL injuries are serious, non-surgical treatments offer viable alternatives for many athletes. Individuals can effectively manage their injuries and lead active, fulfilling lives by focusing on physical therapy, utilizing supportive braces, and adopting lifestyle modifications.

 

References

Atik, O. S. (2024). The risk factors for second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear after ACL reconstruction. Jt Dis Relat Surg, 35(2), 255-256. https://doi.org/10.52312/jdrs.2024.57920

Diermeier, T., Rothrauff, B. B., Engebretsen, L., Lynch, A. D., Ayeni, O. R., Paterno, M. V., Xerogeanes, J. W., Fu, F. H., Karlsson, J., Musahl, V., Svantesson, E., Hamrin Senorski, E., Rauer, T., Meredith, S. J., & Panther Symposium, A. C. L. T. C. G. (2020). Treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 28(8), 2390-2402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06012-6

Giummarra, M., Vocale, L., & King, M. (2022). Efficacy of non-surgical management and functional outcomes of partial ACL tears. A systematic review of randomised trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 332. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05278-w

Key, S., Baygin, M., Demir, S., Dogan, S., & Tuncer, T. (2022). Meniscal Tear and ACL Injury Detection Model Based on AlexNet and Iterative ReliefF. J Digit Imaging, 35(2), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-022-00581-3

Wang, L. J., Zeng, N., Yan, Z. P., Li, J. T., & Ni, G. X. (2020). Post-traumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury. Arthritis Res Ther, 22(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-020-02156-5

Yoo, H., & Marappa-Ganeshan, R. (2024). Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32644659

Disclaimer

What Patients of Chiropractic Want To Know About ACL Injuries

What Patients of Chiropractic Want To Know About ACL Injuries

by | Sports Injury

ACL injuries are some of the most common sports-related injuries that doctors and chiropractors see. It occurs when one of the ligaments in the knee, the ACL, is torn. If left untreated, it can cause the person to have difficulty moving their knee or controlling its movements because of the breakdown of knee support. When this happens, the bones of the joint often rub against each other. Over time this can cause a condition called chronic ACL deficiency. Osteoarthritis can also occur due to the bones rubbing against each other, eroding the cartilage and meniscus. A chiropractor can help reduce the pain of an ACL injury and help prevent further damage.

What is an ACL Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a major ligament in the knee that connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone) in the knee joint and provides stability for the knee. An ACL injury does not occur gradually, but instead usually happens suddenly. Most often they happen when a person is playing sports and jumps, stops suddenly, or makes a sudden change in direction. Soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, downhill skiing, gymnastics, and football.

acl injuries chiropractic treatment el paso tx.

What causes an ACL injury?

Sports and fitness activities, typically ones that place stress on the knee, are the most common causes of ACL injury. Specific actions that can lead to the tears include:

  • Pivoting when the foot is planted firmly
  • Sudden stops
  • Cutting or slowing and changing direction suddenly
  • Landing incorrectly from a jump
  • Being involved in a collision where the knee is hit or it causes any of the other listed actions
  • Receiving a direct, sudden, hard hit to the knee

The resulting tear can be minor and small or it can be severe, including a complete tear. In very mild cases, the ligament may be overextended but still intact.

What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?

People who experience an ACL injury will often hear a loud POP when it occurs. Other symptoms of an ACL injury include:

  • Severe or intense pain
  • Swelling (begins in the first few hours after the injury)
  • A feeling that the knee is unstable
  • A popping sensation in the knee
  • The knee feels like it �gives away� when bearing weight
  • Unable to continue the activity they were doing when the injury occurred
  • Loss of or decreased range of motion

Who is most at risk of having an ACL injury?

Statistically, when both men and women are participating in the same sports, women are more likely to sustain an ACL injury. Research shows that, generally speaking, women have a tendency to have an imbalance of strength in their thighs. Specifically, the quadriceps, the muscles in the front are typically stronger that the hamstrings, the muscles in the back. It�s the hamstrings that work to keep the shinbone from extending too far forward � the type of movement that overextends the ACL. Additionally, men and women athlete jump differently with women more likely to land in a manner that places extra stress on the knees.

How is an ACL injury treated?

There are several treatments for an ACL injury. Immediate treatment can help reduce swelling and pain that the injury causes. The R.I.C.E. model is the recommended self-care that the patient can do at home:

  • Rice
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

In some cases, surgery may be recommended, but usually the best course of treatment includes physical therapy and chiropractic care. The knee may be braced and the patient may have to rest for a while before beginning physical therapy. A chiropractor can help not only treat the ACL injury, but also help correct any muscular imbalances that the patient may have.

Best Knee Injury Rehabilitation Therapy (2019)

ACL Sports Injury Therapy | El Paso, TX. | Video

ACL Sports Injury Therapy | El Paso, TX. | Video

by | Athlete Recovery, Athletic Testimonies, Clinical Case Reports, Physical Rehabilitation, Sports Injury, Testimonies, Video

ACL Sports Injury: Alexander Jimenez, champion wrestler, trained hard at Push-as-Rx, Crossfit & Athlete Rehabilitation, to gradually become the athlete he is today. When he suffered an ACL tear, Alexander Jimenez had to undergo surgery, where he then started his rehabilitation process at Push-as-Rx. With a clear focus in mind, Alexander Jimenez was able to overcome his difficulties and he became a champion wrestler. For Alexander Jimenez, Push-as-Rx provided him with the mental and physical edge he needed in order to become the best athlete he can be. Alexander Jimenez recommends Push-as-Rx to younger athletes and athletes who are looking to achieve their fitness goals.

ACL Sports Injury Therapy

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is either stretched, partially torn, or totally torn. The most common injury is a tear that is complete. Symptoms include pain, a popping sound during trauma, instability of the knee, and joint swelling. Swelling generally appears within a couple hours. In approximately 50 percent of cases, other structures of the knee, for example surrounding cartilage, ligaments, or the meniscus, are damaged. The underlying mechanism frequently involves a rapid change in direction, abrupt stop, landing after a jump, or direct contact into the knee. ACL tears are most common in athletes.

acl sports injury el paso tx.

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Thank You & God Bless.

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