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Alternatives to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery

Common alternatives to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery

There are other treatments that may be tried first before having ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery.

Before having ACL surgery, your doctor will talk to you about non-surgical treatments that can help.

These may include:

  • physiotherapy to help strengthen the knee
  • wearing a knee brace during exercise to protect your knee
  • pain relief medicines, gels or creams

If you've tried these and they have not helped, your doctor may talk to you about having surgery. 

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2025
Next review due: 17 July 2028