An ACL tear can be a frustrating setback, especially if you’re active or athletic.
While surgery is often recommended, more people are now looking for non-surgical options to heal and recover.
One of the most promising treatments is platelet-rich plasma, or PRP therapy.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we use PRP to help patients with ACL injuries recover naturally—without relying on invasive procedures.
If you’re searching for long-term relief and faster healing, PRP may be the right solution for you.
What Is an ACL Tear?
Your ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a key part of your knee.
It helps stabilize the joint, especially during sudden movements like pivoting or jumping.
ACL injuries are common in sports and can happen during a quick change in direction, awkward landing, or direct impact.
An ACL tear can be:
- A partial tear, where the ligament is damaged but still attached
- A complete tear, where the ligament is fully torn
Symptoms of an ACL tear usually include swelling, knee pain, instability, and difficulty walking or bending the knee.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
It’s a treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood.
We spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets—cells packed with healing proteins and growth factors.
Then we inject that concentrated plasma directly into the injured area.
PRP works by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting tissue repair
- Speeding up recovery
Because PRP is made from your own blood, it’s a natural, safe, and minimally invasive option for soft tissue injuries like ACL tears.
How PRP Helps Heal ACL Tears
PRP therapy has been gaining attention as a non-surgical ACL tear treatment.
It’s especially effective for partial ACL tears, where the ligament is still partially intact.
PRP helps by triggering the body’s natural healing process.
Studies show that PRP:
- Promotes new collagen growth in ligaments
- Reduces pain and swelling
- Improves strength and stability over time
For patients recovering from surgery, PRP can also speed up healing and support better long-term outcomes.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we’ve seen how PRP can help people return to activity faster—without going under the knife.
How We Use PRP at Marin Regenerative Health
At Marin Regenerative Health, we focus on whole-body healing.
Our approach to PRP therapy is personalized, evidence-based, and designed for your specific needs.
Here’s how we do it:
- We use advanced lab techniques to prepare highly concentrated PRP
- We inject the PRP directly into the ACL or surrounding tissues with precision
- We combine PRP with other therapies like chiropractic care and rehab to support your full recovery
If you’re dealing with a knee injury, we’ll take the time to evaluate your situation and create a treatment plan that supports healing from the inside out.
Why Choose PRP for ACL Tear Recovery?
PRP has several benefits that make it a great option for treating ACL injuries:
- No surgery or general anesthesia
- Shorter downtime
- Low risk of complications
- Uses your own body’s healing power
- Can delay or even prevent the need for surgery in partial tears
If you’ve been told you need surgery, or you want to avoid long recovery times, PRP could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?
PRP may be right for you if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with a partial ACL tear
- You’re active and want to avoid surgery
- You’re recovering from ACL surgery and want to heal faster
- You’re looking for a natural alternative to pain medication
We’ll help you decide if PRP is a good fit based on your injury, goals, and overall health.
PRP vs Surgery: Which Is Right for You?
PRP is ideal for people with partial ACL tears or those looking to avoid the risks and downtime of surgery.
Surgery may still be necessary for complete tears, but PRP can still play a role in your recovery afterward.
Here’s a quick comparison:
PRP Therapy
- Minimally invasive
- Low risk
- Shorter recovery
- Natural healing
ACL Surgery
- Invasive procedure
- Higher risk and longer rehab
- May require grafts
- More time off activity
Not sure which route is best?
We’ll talk through your options so you can make an informed decision.
Conclusion: PRP For ACL Tear
If you’ve suffered an ACL tear and want to avoid surgery, or if you’re recovering from one and want a faster, more natural recovery, PRP therapy could help you get back to what you love.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with personalized, regenerative care.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more!
Let’s take the next step toward healing—together.
FAQs: PRP For ACL Tear
What is PRGF vs PRP?
PRGF stands for Plasma Rich in Growth Factors, a specific type of platelet-rich plasma that’s processed differently to isolate certain healing components. While both PRGF and PRP are derived from your own blood and used to stimulate healing, PRGF typically contains fewer white blood cells and is thought to cause less inflammation. At First Choice Medical, we focus on PRP therapy because it delivers a concentrated dose of platelets and growth factors directly to the injury site, which has shown excellent results for partial ACL tears.
Can PRP heal a torn ligament?
Yes, PRP can support healing in torn ligaments—especially partial tears. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and help strengthen the ligament over time. While PRP is not a replacement for surgery in cases of a fully ruptured ACL, it’s often a great non-surgical option for partial ligament tears.
How long does a torn ACL take to heal?
The healing time for a torn ACL depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment chosen. With PRP therapy combined with physical therapy, many patients with partial tears begin feeling better within weeks and return to activity within 8 to 12 weeks. For complete ACL tears treated with surgery, full recovery can take 6 to 12 months.
Is walking good for a torn ACL?
Walking can be helpful in the early stages of recovery, but it depends on the severity of the tear. For minor or partial ACL injuries, walking with a brace and under medical guidance can support healing. For more serious tears, walking too soon can cause further damage. That’s why we always start with a personalized evaluation at First Choice Medical to guide your recovery safely.
Can you bend your knee with a torn ACL?
Yes, you can usually still bend your knee with a torn ACL, but it may feel painful, unstable, or weak. Bending isn’t always a problem, but twisting or pivoting often causes discomfort. If your knee feels loose or gives out, that’s a sign your ACL may be compromised. We use diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury and recommend the best next steps, including whether PRP is right for you.
