Treating And Recovering From A Torn ACL

Cool Compress

An injury to the knee usually brings about pain and swelling soon afterward. Most doctors recommend the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) as first-aid immediately after the injury. Cold compression therapy is another method that can ease the pain and speed up the recovery process. A cold or cool compress is a part of both treatments.

Rest is required for healing of injuries in general. Swelling occurs after the injury because it’s a natural part of the healing process. Placing ice in a compress and applying it to the knee for about twenty minutes every couple of hours will slow down the cellular processes and reduce swelling. This is helpful right after the injury and during the recovery process after physical therapy sessions. A cool compress can ease the pain of an ACL tear and subsequent surgical procedures by dulling nerve endings. The application of coldness and compression also accelerates healing and helps patients regain range of motion faster. Laying down while placing the knee above the heart is elevation, which helps reduce swelling. Elevation also requires time off the feet, which means no weight on the injured knee.