What Is an ACL Tear?
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common types of knee injuries, often occurring during sports and other high-impact activities. The ACL connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and helps control forward movement and rotational stability of the knee. In many cases, the ligament tears when the knee changes direction forcefully while the foot remains planted. Some tears are partial, where the ligament is stretched or damaged but still intact, while others are complete ruptures.
Many people who experience an ACL tear notice hearing or feeling a "pop" when the knee is injured, followed by swelling, pain, and instability. Even after the initial discomfort and swelling settle, your knee might continue to shift or buckle as you move. Over time, the stress on your knee can lead to other injuries, including meniscus tears and cartilage damage.
We provide nonsurgical treatment for ACL tears at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, utilizing physical therapy and advanced techniques to help enhance the body's ability to heal. If you believe you've experienced a knee injury resulting in an ACL tear, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mairin Jerome at our practice in Atlanta, GA to take the next step toward recovery.
While ACL tears are common, they aren't the only type of knee injury we treat at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care. Learn more about other knee conditions.
How Do You Treat an ACL Tear?
Treatment for an ACL tear depends on the severity of the injury, the knee's current stability, and how active you are. If you're an athlete, work in a physically demanding job, or are experiencing significant instability, Dr. Jerome may refer you to a specialist for minimally invasive ACL surgery. For those looking for a more conservative approach to manage day-to-day comfort and movement, our nonsurgical ACL treatments at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care can help support a return to normal activity. Dr. Jerome will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs based on her examination.
The first step in managing in ACL tear is physical therapy, bracing, and home treatment, which Dr. Jerome will guide you through. Depending on the injury, she may recommend injections, including prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, or microfragmented adipose tissue to stimulate tissue repair. We also offer shockwave therapy for Atlanta, GA patients recovering after ACL reconstruction to help break down scar tissue and encourage rehabilitation.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for an ACL Tear?
For many years, surgery was considered the only approach to address an ACL tear. Thanks to advances in regenerative medicine, many patients living with a mild to moderate ACL tear are now able to effectively manage knee pain and instability with less discomfort and recovery time. Our nonsurgical ACL treatments at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care focus on improving movement, reducing inflammation, and supporting the surrounding tissues, offering benefits for patients in the Atlanta, GA area such as:
- Restoring knee stability during walking, pivoting, and directional movement
- Reducing buckling, shifting, or loss of support in the joint
- Improving strength and coordination around the knee after injury
- Reducing swelling, irritation, and discomfort within the joint
- Protecting the surrounding cartilage and meniscal tissue from ongoing stress
- Helping normalize movement patterns
- Supporting long-term knee function and reducing the risk of repeated injury
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Move with Confidence
Even after the initial symptoms of an ACL tear fade, the long-term consequences can have severe impacts on your daily routine if the condition isn't properly treated. Dr. Jerome and our team at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care are committed to helping patients move forward more comfortably and confidently after experiencing a knee injury. If you believe you've suffered an ACL tear or are struggling with knee instability, schedule an appointment at our practice in Atlanta, GA to discover how we can help you protect the long-term health of your joint.