PRP and Stem Cell Injections for ACL Sprain & Tear offered in Estero, Florida
Have you felt a sudden “pop” in your knee followed by pain, swelling, and instability? These are classic signs of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The ACL is one of the most important ligaments in the knee, providing stability during twisting, pivoting, and sudden stops. When sprained or torn, even everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or turning quickly can feel unstable—and returning to sports may seem
impossible.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we focus on advanced non-surgical regenerative orthopedic solutions to help your ACL heal, restore stability, and get you back to the activities you love.
Common Symptoms of ACL Sprain & Tear
- A “popping” sound at the moment of injury
- Rapid knee swelling within hours
- Pain along the front or inside of the knee
- Instability or the knee “giving out”
- Difficulty pivoting, running, or changing direction
Causes of ACL Sprains & Tears
ACL injuries are most often caused by sudden twisting or pivoting movements, especially when the foot is planted and the body shifts direction quickly. This makes sports like soccer, basketball, skiing, and football high-risk for ACL tears. Non-contact injuries, such as landing awkwardly from a jump or abruptly stopping while running, are just as common as direct collisions.
Depending on the severity, the ACL may be overstretched (Grade I sprain), partially torn (Grade II), or completely ruptured (Grade III), with symptoms and recovery needs varying by grade.
Accurate Diagnosis Is Key
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we use a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the extent of tendon tearing/ injury, inflammation, and biomechanical dysfunction. This includes:
- Physical exam with stress testing of the ACL for laxity and pain response
- In-office musculoskeletal ultrasound to directly evaluate the joint and surrounding tendons
- MRI imaging to confirm the severity of the sprain or tear and check for associated injuries (meniscus or MCL involvement)
This allows us to tailor a comprehensive regenerative treatment plan specific to your injury and functional goals.
Contrary to popular opinion not all ACL tears and sprains need to be treated surgically. Many patients can be effectively treated non-surgically with regenerative injections.
Are You A Candidate for Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment?
Regenerative Treatment Options
We specialize in non-surgical regenerative orthopedic solutions designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore joint health.
- Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses targeted injections of dextrose to stimulate healing. When administered at the right concentration, the solution triggers a mild, temporary inflammatory response activating fibroblasts—specialized cells that produce collagen to strengthen and thicken the surrounding ligaments and tendons, ultimately improving knee stability and support.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP contains growth factors that accelerate tissue repair. PRP injections can reduce inflammation, improve collagen remodeling, and promote long-term healing of the joint. For more mild laxity up to Grade 1 sprains PRP can be effective to improve the strength of the tendon. - Stem Cell Therapy
We utilize Bone Marrow Stem Cells to support tissue regeneration and repair, particularly for more severe knee arthritis. Through the release of growth factors, stem cells regulate the local immune response, decrease inflammation and stimulate tissue growth. For Grade 2 strains Stem Cells are generally going to be recommended for more effective tissue regeneration. - For Grade 3 sprains where the tendon has completely ruptured and retracted regenerative injections, in general, are not going to be effective and will most likely require surgical correction.
Do You Want to Resolve Knee Pain and Restore Function?
Complementary Treatments
In addition to regenerative injections, we incorporate evidence-based complementary therapies to enhance recovery and long-term knee function:
1-on-1 Physical Therapy
Work directly with a licensed physical therapist to strengthen and re-educate the muscles of the knee, hip and ankles to increase stability. This neuromuscular reprogramming helps restore movement patterns and reduce reinjury risk.
Nutritional Therapy & Supplements
Proper nutrition supports the healing of connective tissue. We offer personalized supplement protocols and dietary guidance to optimize collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve overall recovery.
Giga Laser Therapy
Our Giga Laser, one of the most powerful therapeutic lasers in the world, delivers high-dose red and infrared light therapy over large areas. This boosts mitochondrial activity and promotes rapid tissue healing and collagen formation.
Why Choose Integrative Rehab Medicine?
- Minimally invasive treatments backed by clinical science
- Comprehensive evaluation determining the root cause of your pain
- Personalized regenerative treatment plans specific to your injury and functional goals
- Avoid surgery and reduce downtime – many patients are back to activity 3-4 weeks after treatment
Expert clinicians with extensive experience in regenerative and rehabilitative medicine
Get Back to an Active Life
An ACL sprain or tear doesn’t have to mean surgery or giving up the activities you love. With regenerative medicine, many patients experience restored stability and long-term function without invasive procedures.
Schedule a consultation today at Integrative Rehab Medicine to learn more about your non-surgical options for ACL injuries.
Schedule Your Consult with an Estero Knee Pain Specialist
References
Centeno, Christopher, et al. “Image Guided Injection of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears with Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelets: Midterm Analysis from A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Biologic Orthopedics Journal 3.SP2 (2021): e7-e20.
Hernigou P, Auregan JC, Dubory A, Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, Chevallier N, Rouard H. Subchondral stem cell therapy versus contralateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis following secondary osteonecrosis of the knee. Int Orthop. 2018 Nov;42(11):2563-2571. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-3916-9. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29589086.
Kim JD, Lee GW, Jung GH, Kim CK, Kim T, Park JH, Cha SS, You YB. Clinical outcome of autologous bone marrow aspirates concentrate (BMAC) injection in degenerative arthritis of the knee. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014 Dec;24(8):1505-11. doi: 10.1007/s00590-013-1393-9. Epub 2014 Jan 8. PMID: 24398701.
Pabinger, C., Lothaller, H. & Kobinia, G.S. Intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (mesenchymal stem cells) in KL grade III and IV knee osteoarthritis: 4 year results of 37 knees. Sci Rep 14, 2665 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51410-2
Tavassoli M, Janmohammadi N, Hosseini A, Khafri S, Esmaeilnejad-Ganji SM. Single- and double-dose of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. World J Orthop. 2019 Sep 18;10(9):310-326. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v10.i9.310. PMID: 31572668; PMCID: PMC6766465.
Wijn, S. R. W., Rovers, M. M., van Tienen, T. G., & Hannink, G. (2020). Intra-articular corticosteroid injections increase the risk of requiring knee arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal, 102-B(5), 586–592. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.102b5.bjj-2019-1376.r1