LASER THERAPY & ACL TEARS

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common orthopedic injuries, especially in athletes and active individuals. The ACL stabilizes the knee joint, and when torn—either partially or completely—it can lead to pain, instability, and long-term joint degeneration. Traditional treatments include surgical reconstruction and months of physical therapy, but these approaches can be invasive, costly, and slow to deliver relief. At Healios Laser Therapy, we offer a Class IV laser device that promotes ligament healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery—all without the need for surgery or medications.

UNDERSTANDING ACL TEARS

ACL injuries typically occur during sports or activities involving sudden stops, pivots, or directional changes. Common types of ACL injuries include:

• Partial ACL Tear – A portion of the ligament is damaged but remains intact. Often treated conservatively.
• Complete ACL Tear – The ligament is fully ruptured and may require surgical reconstruction.
• Post-Surgical ACL Recovery – After ACL reconstruction, patients often experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Symptoms of ACL tears may include knee pain, swelling, instability, difficulty walking, and reduced range of motion.

HOW OUR LASER THERAPY DEVICE WORKS

Our FDA-cleared Class IV laser device delivers super-pulsed infrared light deep into ligament and joint tissues, penetrating up to 7 inches without overheating or damaging the skin. This multi-wavelength system stimulates cellular activity and accelerates the body’s natural healing process.

The laser increases mitochondrial activity, boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production—the energy source for cells—which enhances collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to the injured ligament (Hamblin, 2017). This process relieves pain and promotes ligament repair.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE FOR ACL TEARS

Several clinical studies have explored the efficacy of laser therapy in managing ACL-related pain and recovery:

• Partial ACL Tear Recovery: A randomized controlled trial (NCT07089459) conducted by the University of Lahore found that patients receiving low-level laser therapy (LLLT) alongside physiotherapy had significantly better pain reduction, muscle strength, and functional scores compared to those receiving shortwave diathermy alone.
• Photobiomodulation and Connective Tissue Repair: A 2022 review published in Photonics highlighted that PBM enhances cell viability, proliferation, and collagen synthesis in connective tissues—including tendons and ligaments—supporting its role in ACL regeneration.
• ACL Fibroblast Collagen Synthesis: An in-vitro study published in Lasers in Medical Science demonstrated that LLLT enhances type I collagen synthesis in human ACL fibroblasts, supporting ligament regeneration at the cellular level.
• Biomimetic Models for ACL Healing: A 2022 study in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology showed that ACL cells cultured on nanofiber scaffolds mimicking healthy ligament structure responded positively to PBM, suggesting a role in tissue remodeling and repair.

These studies collectively suggest that laser therapy can be a powerful adjunct to conservative ACL treatment and post-surgical recovery, especially for partial tears and inflammation-driven pain.

KEY BENEFITS FOR ACL TEARS

• Deep Tissue Penetration to Target Ligament Damage The laser reaches deep into knee tissues, ensuring that the damaged ACL fibers and surrounding joint structures are treated—not just surface-level symptoms.
• Reduces Inflammation and Joint Swelling Laser therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and edema, calming the knee joint and promoting faster recovery (Aimbire et al., 2006).
• Non-Invasive Pain Relief for ACL Injuries Unlike surgery or injections, laser therapy is painless and non-invasive, offering immediate relief without downtime or risk.
• Promotes Collagen Synthesis and Ligament Regeneration The laser stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production, helping rebuild the ACL and restore joint integrity over time.
• Improves Blood Flow and Oxygenation in the Knee Enhanced circulation increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the injured ligament while flushing out waste products, reducing stiffness and restoring mobility (Bjordal et al., 2006).

WHY OUR LASER THERAPY DEVICE IS UNIQUE

Unlike traditional low-level lasers that only treat superficial tissues, our Class IV device penetrates deep into ligament and joint structures for comprehensive healing. Its super-pulsed technology ensures powerful results without discomfort. Sessions are fast and efficient, typically lasting just a few minutes, with many patients experiencing noticeable improvement after the first session.

In addition to treating ACL tears, this advanced device is effective for meniscus injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic knee pain.

THE HEALIOS LASER THERAPY EXPERIENCE

At Healios Laser Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific ACL injury and recovery goals. Our Class IV laser device is combined with expert care to deliver optimal results.

70% of our clients experience significant improvement after just one session, with most patients achieving lasting relief within 1 to 4 sessions. Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore knee stability, and return to your active lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

If an ACL tear is limiting your movement and delaying your recovery, Healios Laser Therapy offers a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective solution. Our Class IV laser device reduces inflammation, promotes ligament repair, and accelerates healing—helping you get back on your feet faster.

Take the first step toward recovery and visit Healios Laser Therapy today.

REFERENCES

• Aimbire, F., Albertini, R., Pacheco, M. T. T., Castro-Faria-Neto, H. C., Leonardo, P. S., & Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B. (2006). Low-level laser therapy induces dose-dependent reduction of TNFα levels in acute inflammation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(1), 33–37.
• Bjordal, J. M., Couppé, C., Chow, R. T., Tunér, J., & Ljunggren, E. A. (2006). A systematic review of low-level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain from chronic joint disorders. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(2), 77–85.
• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.
• University of Lahore. (2025). Low-level laser therapy in patients with partial ACL tear. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07089459. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07089459
• Shaikh-Kader, A., & Houreld, N. N. (2022). Photobiomodulation and connective tissue repair: A review of in vivo and in vitro studies. Photonics, 9(9), 618. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9090618
• Springer. (2024). In-vitro study on type I collagen synthesis in low-level laser therapy-treated ACL fibroblasts. Lasers in Medical Science. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-024-04151-7
• Adeoye, A. O., et al. (2022). A biomimetic synthetic nanofiber-based model for anterior cruciate ligament regeneration. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, Article 969282. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.969282