The cruciate ligaments are found inside your knee joint. They cross each other to form an “X” with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament at the back. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee. An ACL tear or strain is a fairly common knee injury in sports that involve pivoting such as football, netball, rugby and downhill skiing.

The symptoms of an ACL strain or tear include a ‘popping’ noise and a feel of the knee giving way. Within 24 hours, the knee is likely to swell up with stiffness of knee movements and limping.

A knee brace can be an effective treatment in some individuals, but in sporting individuals knee surgery for ACL reconstruction is usually indicated to restore knee joint stability and reduce the risk of developing knee arthritis in the long term. Following ACL surgery, physical therapy rehabilitation is very important.

Osteopathy treatment for anterior cruciate ligament injury focuses on restoring natural muscular balance to the knee joint, reducing swelling and improving the range of movement as well as addressing any pelvic issues that may have developed as a result of an altered gait.