ACL Tear Treatment and Rehabilitation
An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is a common knee injury in Singapore, especially among individuals who participate in pivoting or jumping sports such as football, basketball, netball, and badminton. The ACL is a key ligament that stabilises the knee, and when it is stretched or torn, knee stability, strength, and movement are significantly affected.
If you experience a popping sound at the time of injury, sudden knee swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight, stop activity immediately and avoid walking on the injured leg if painful. Apply ice for 10–15 minutes and elevate the leg. Seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis helps prevent further damage to the meniscus and cartilage.
If you're unsure whether your knee injury is an ACL tear or want a safe rehabilitation pathway, our GP and physiotherapy team can assess your knee, determine whether imaging is required, and guide you through structured recovery.
Disclaimer:
The following page is not meant as a replacement for a physical consult and examination with our Doctors and is meant as educational information and general guiding principles for patients. Each patient should be managed according to their unique condition, and this page is also not meant as a guarantee for the flow of services that patients will receive at Regis Medical. For example, a patient who presents with a suspected complete ACL rupture, knee dislocation, or associated fractures may require further assessment at separate locations first, before undergoing physiotherapy safely.
What to Do Immediately After a Suspected ACL Tear (First 48 Hours)
1. Protect the Knee
- Stop running, jumping, or pivoting
- Avoid weight-bearing if painful
- Use crutches or a knee brace for support
2. Reduce Swelling & Pain
- Ice for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily
- Elevate the leg to reduce swelling
- Avoid heat, deep massage, or vigorous movement
3. Gentle, Pain-Free Movement
- Light bending and straightening if tolerable
- Avoid twisting, squatting, or sudden direction changes
What Is a ACL Tear?
The ACL is one of the main ligaments that stabilises the knee. An ACL tear occurs when the knee undergoes sudden twisting, hyperextension, or forceful impact.
Common Causes
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Sudden changes in direction
- Pivoting during sports
- Collisions or falls
- Uneven ground missteps
Types of ACL Injuries
- Partial tear
- Full tear
- ACL tear with meniscus involvement (common)
Common Symptoms
- A loud “pop” at the moment of injury
- Rapid swelling within hours
- Knee instability or “giving way”
- Pain during walking or twisting
- Difficulty straightening the knee fully
- Loss of confidence in knee stability
Red Flags! Seek Medical Care Immediately
- Sudden knee swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Knee feels unstable or collapses
- Severe pain after twisting
- Suspected meniscus involvement (locking, catching)
Self-Check: How Bad Is My ACL Injury?
Mild (Partial Tear / Sprain)
- Mild swelling
- Some discomfort with twisting
- Knee feels stable but sore
- Improves with physiotherapy
Moderate (Partial to Full Tear)
- Noticeable swelling
- Pain during walking
- Knee feels unstable on uneven ground
- Requires structured rehabilitation
Severe Tear (Complete Tear)
- Immediate swelling
- Knee gives way with movement
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Requires GP evaluation and likely imaging
When to See a Doctor in Singapore
While many ACL injuries can be managed with structured rehabilitation, some cases are significantly more serious than they appear. Complete ACL ruptures, associated meniscus tears, multi-ligament injuries, or acute knee instability may initially present with symptoms similar to a routine knee sprain.
If the knee gives way repeatedly, swells severely within hours, cannot bear weight, or if there was a high-impact injury causing intense pain or deformity, please consult a doctor promptly or visit an Emergency or Urgent Care Department for evaluation. This information is for education and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
Visit a Doctor if:
- The knee swells within hours
- You heard a pop during the injury
- The knee feels unstable or gives way
- You cannot fully straighten or bend the knee
- Pain persists beyond a few days
- The injury occurred during sports
In the above instances, it would be highly recommended by doctors to rule out severe ligament or cartilage injuries through appropriate imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, and for the patient to be assessed by an Emergency Physician or Orthopaedic Specialist before beginning physiotherapy. Early identification of a full ACL tear or associated injuries is essential for safe treatment planning, and may determine whether surgery is required.
GP Diagnosis & Treatment
Our GP will examine your knee to assess stability, swelling, and movement limitations, and determine whether imaging is needed.
An X-ray or MRI May Be Needed If:
- An ACL tear is strongly suspected
- Instability or “giving way” occurs
- Pain or swelling persists
- Injury occurred during pivoting sports
- Meniscus involvement is suspected
What Our GP Can Provide
- Clear diagnosis and severity grading
- Medication for pain or inflammation (if appropriate)
- Guidance on bracing and activity modification (we do not sell or provide braces/tapes at Regis Medical)
- Medical certificate (MC) for rest
- Referral for X-ray or MRI
- Same-day referral to in-house physiotherapy (If available and deemed suitable)
Physiotherapy for ACL Tear Recovery
Our in-house physiotherapy helps improve knee stability, reducing swelling, rebuilding strength, and restoring confidence, whether you are managing the injury without surgery or preparing for/ recovering from ACL reconstruction.
1. Pain & Swelling Reduction
- Manual therapy
- Soft tissue release
- Gentle joint mobilisation
- Ice, elevation, or electrotherapy if indicated
2. Mobility & Movement Restoration
- Knee range-of-motion exercises
- Hamstring and quadriceps activation
- Patellar mobility work
3. Strengthening & Stability Training
- Quadriceps, hamstring, and glute strengthening
- Hip and core stability training
- Balance and proprioception drills
- Functional lower-limb control
4. Return-to-Sport / Activity Programme
- Progressive strengthening and loading
- Running progression
- Jump, landing, and agility drills
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
iIf ACL Surgery Is Required
Physiotherapy remains essential after ACL reconstruction surgery. Rehab focuses on reducing swelling, restoring knee motion, rebuilding quadriceps and hamstring strength, improve balance and gait, and gradually returning to full activity or sport. Post-operative guidance helps improve long-term outcomes.
Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment Option
Some patients benefit from acupuncture during ACL tear recovery. It is commonly used to reduce knee pain, ease muscle tension, and support circulation around the healing tissues. Acupuncture may help with pain relief in the intermediate stages of healing, and assist with ensuring productive physiotherapy sessions.
Our clinic offers in-house acupuncture integrated with GP assessment and physiotherapy for safe, effective rehabilitation. However, not every patient might be suitable for Acupuncture, and will have to be assessed for suitability by our Doctors first, before proceeding.
Can You Exercise With an ACL Tear?
Yes for mild tear, with proper modification and professional guidance.
Our physiotherapists can help you safely:
- Maintain strength without stressing the ACL
- Avoid twisting or pivoting movements
- Begin low-impact exercises
- Progress toward running or sport when appropriate
Preventing Future ACL Injuries
- Strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
- Improve balance and landing mechanics
- Avoid sudden spikes in training load
- Warm up properly before sports
- Practise controlled pivoting and cutting movements
How our integrative care helps
Consult Our Doctors
An ACL tear can greatly affect mobility, confidence, and sports performance. Early assessment and proper treatment are essential to protect long-term knee health.
Contact us to book a consultation with our GP.
We’ll help you recover well and return to the activities you enjoy.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
