An ACL tear can be a serious setback, especially if you’re active or play sports.
The pain, swelling, and limited movement can feel overwhelming—and the thought of surgery may be just as intimidating.
The good news?
Surgery isn’t your only option.
At First Choice Medical we offer PRP for ACL tears, a non-surgical treatment that uses your body’s own healing power to support recovery.
Let’s break down how PRP therapy works, who it’s for, and how we can help you avoid surgery and get back on your feet.
What Is an ACL Tear?
Your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) helps keep your knee stable.
It connects your thigh bone to your shinbone and is important for movements like pivoting, twisting, and stopping quickly.
ACL injuries often happen during sports, but they can also occur from slips, falls, or even a quick misstep.
Some common signs of an ACL tear include:
- A popping sound when the injury happens
- Swelling in the knee
- Feeling like your knee is unstable or giving out
- Pain when walking or bending
At First Choice Medical, we treat all kinds of ACL injuries.
PRP works especially well for partial ACL tears that don’t need surgery.
Standard ACL Treatments
Most ACL injuries are treated with rest, bracing, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Surgery is common for full tears, but it also means months of rehab, a long recovery, and more risk.
That’s why many people are turning to regenerative treatments like PRP therapy.
It gives your body the help it needs to heal naturally, without going under the knife.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
It’s made from a small sample of your own blood.
We spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets—tiny cells that help with healing—and then inject it into the injured area.
PRP helps:
- Boost tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation
- Stimulate new collagen and ligament growth
- Support natural healing
It’s been used in orthopedics and sports medicine for years and is now a popular option for ligament injuries like ACL tears.
How PRP Helps With ACL Tears
When we treat an ACL injury with PRP, we inject it directly into the ligament using ultrasound guidance.
This helps us target the exact area that needs healing.
PRP is a great option for:
- Partial ACL tears
- Injuries caught early
- People looking to avoid surgery
- Active adults and athletes
There’s growing research showing that PRP can help speed up healing, especially when combined with physical therapy.
Benefits of PRP for ACL Injuries
Here’s why more people are choosing PRP for ACL tear treatment:
- It’s non-surgical: There’s no cutting, no anesthesia, and no time in the hospital.
- Faster recovery: Many patients return to activity quicker than they would with surgery.
- Less downtime: You can often get back to your routine faster and with fewer limitations.
- Natural healing: PRP comes from your own blood, so there’s no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
- Works well with rehab: PRP supports the work you do in physical therapy, helping you heal stronger.
How PRP Compares to ACL Surgery
Surgery is still the right choice for some people, especially with complete ligament tears.
But for partial tears or people who want to avoid surgery, PRP can be a smart alternative.
| Treatment | PRP Therapy | ACL Surgery |
| Type | Non-surgical | Invasive |
| Recovery | Weeks to a few months | 6–12 months |
| Ideal For | Partial tears | Full ruptures |
| Risk | Very low | Higher (infection, complications) |
| Downtime | Minimal | Significant |
We’ll help you figure out if PRP is a good fit for your injury during your first visit.
First Choice Medical: What to Expect with PRP For ACL Tear
If you’re new to PRP therapy, here’s what the process looks like with us:
- Evaluation: We start with a full exam and imaging (like an MRI or ultrasound) to understand your injury and make sure PRP is the right option.
- PRP injection: We draw your blood, prepare the PRP, and inject it into the injured ACL using image guidance for accuracy.
- Recovery: You’ll usually rest for a few days, then begin a physical therapy program designed to rebuild strength and motion.
- Follow-up: We’ll check in regularly to monitor your progress and make adjustments if needed.
How We Treat ACL Tears at First Choice Medical
At First Choice Medical, we specialize in non-surgical solutions for ACL injuries.
Our approach combines the latest in regenerative medicine, like PRP therapy, with personalized physical therapy and advanced diagnostics.
We treat:
- Partial ACL tears
- Ligament injuries from sports or falls
- Knee instability and weakness
- Pain and swelling after an ACL injury
If you want a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and avoids surgery when possible, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion: PRP For ACL Tear
If you’ve been told you need ACL surgery—or you just want a second opinion—PRP might be the answer.
At First Choice Medical, we offer a smarter, less invasive path to recovery with PRP for ACL tears.
Schedule a consultation today and let’s find out if PRP is right for you.
We’re ready to help you heal without surgery.
FAQs: PRP For ACL Tear
What is PRGF vs PRP?
PRGF stands for Plasma Rich in Growth Factors, a specific type of platelet-rich plasma that’s processed differently to isolate certain healing components. While both PRGF and PRP are derived from your own blood and used to stimulate healing, PRGF typically contains fewer white blood cells and is thought to cause less inflammation. At First Choice Medical, we focus on PRP therapy because it delivers a concentrated dose of platelets and growth factors directly to the injury site, which has shown excellent results for partial ACL tears.
Can PRP heal a torn ligament?
Yes, PRP can support healing in torn ligaments—especially partial tears. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and help strengthen the ligament over time. While PRP is not a replacement for surgery in cases of a fully ruptured ACL, it’s often a great non-surgical option for partial ligament tears.
How long does a torn ACL take to heal?
The healing time for a torn ACL depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment chosen. With PRP therapy combined with physical therapy, many patients with partial tears begin feeling better within weeks and return to activity within 8 to 12 weeks. For complete ACL tears treated with surgery, full recovery can take 6 to 12 months.
Is walking good for a torn ACL?
Walking can be helpful in the early stages of recovery, but it depends on the severity of the tear. For minor or partial ACL injuries, walking with a brace and under medical guidance can support healing. For more serious tears, walking too soon can cause further damage. That’s why we always start with a personalized evaluation at First Choice Medical to guide your recovery safely.
Can you bend your knee with a torn ACL?
Yes, you can usually still bend your knee with a torn ACL, but it may feel painful, unstable, or weak. Bending isn’t always a problem, but twisting or pivoting often causes discomfort. If your knee feels loose or gives out, that’s a sign your ACL may be compromised. We use diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury and recommend the best next steps, including whether PRP is right for you.
