Dr Ben, My friend recently tore his ACL (not completely), is there anything aside from surgery that would help him heal? Also, would a torn MCL be similar?

Given his age, associated conditions and desired time to heal, there may be non-surgical treatments for ACL tears.

I advise him to seek advice from a naturopathic physician who specializes in sports medicine. If he asks a surgeon, surgery will be the answer.

Some non-surgical treatment alternatives which may help heal his partially torn ACL or MCL:

1. He will need to wear a brace as determined by his doctor
2. Limit side to side movements along with knee rotation; only move the leg forward and backward.
3. Do Contrast Hydrotherapy on the Knee
4. Take ligament support supplements as directed by his doctor.
5. Consider MBT shoes once the ACL ligament has healed. The MBT shoe will increase his knee strength.
6. Do physical therapy as prescribed by his doctor.

These suggestions for non-surgical treatment for a parital ACL tear may prove useful for him.  In the ins...