Can The ACL Heal?

Two Paths, One Knee: Surgery vs. Non-Operative ACL Rehab

Some of you may remember the journey my wife, Bec, went through after rupturing her ACL.

Well, we’re excited to share that she’s just played her very first competitive game back following ACL reconstruction—a monumental milestone!

It’s been the classic long road (as these journeys often are), filled with countless gym sessions, rehab, and regular nagging—mostly from me, and often from her physio, Tomu. There were definitely a few choice words aimed in his direction during the tougher days! But she made it. In fact, she’s now stronger than she’s ever been—a great example of what focused rehab can achieve.

But surgery isn’t the only way forward.

Can You Rehab an ACL Without Surgery?

At the other end of the spectrum, we’re currently supporting a patient—and good mate of mine from football—who’s chosen a non-operative approach to managing his ACL rupture. He’s kindly allowed us to share his story.

Non-operative ACL rehab has always been an option—but it depends on how your knee handles daily life after the injury. If your knee stays stable during everyday activities and straight-line movements like walking, cycling, or gym work, surgery may not be needed.

The main challenge has usually been with change-of-direction movements, which are critical in most sports. That’s why many people—like Bec—still opt for surgery when returning to high-demand sports like netball or tennis.

Interestingly, Bec was initially booked for surgery, but then found out she was pregnant. With a baby on the way, she postponed surgery for about 18 months. During that time, her knee coped remarkably well—she even returned to gym classes without major issues. But her goal of returning to sport ultimately led her to proceed with the reconstruction.

A New Frontier: Can the ACL Heal Itself?

My friend’s non-operative journey is especially exciting—he’s part of a research trial investigating whether a torn ACL can reattach and heal on its own. For years, this was considered impossible, and surgery was seen as the only real option—especially for active individuals.

But emerging research and real-world cases are beginning to challenge that thinking.

It’s early days, but so far his knee is progressing well. If this approach proves effective, it could mark one of the most significant shifts in ACL treatment in our profession.

We’re genuinely excited to be part of this evolving ACL rehab journey—and the whole clinic team is keeping a close eye on how our patient is progressing.

Choosing the Right Path for You

If you’ve experienced an ACL injury or are weighing up your options, come and have a chat with our physio team. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but with the right support, you can make the choice that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your goals.