My daughter is in her second year of junior high and plays on the basketball team. Recently, she injured her right knee during practice, and the doctor suspects an ACL injury. We’d like to avoid surgery, but her knee has started to feel unstable, and her movement is becoming awkward. Since she’s still growing, we want to prevent any further worsening. Do you have any good braces that would allow her to continue playing sports?
Ms. S.R., Niigata Prefecture (Mother)
At Moriue Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic, we offer brace-based treatment for ACL injuries in growing children.
ACL injuries require proper support to avoid stressing developing bones and muscles. We carefully select braces suitable for growing children to stabilize the knee, prevent recurrence, and improve symptoms.
By switching braces between active and rest times, it’s possible to reduce knee strain while supporting growth. Please feel free to consult us if you need assistance.
Use a stabilizing brace on the affected side and a preventive brace on the unaffected knee to balance body weight distribution, which helps develop natural movements that minimize stress on the ACL. When at rest, use protective braces on both knees to keep them warm, creating an optimal healing environment.
I'm Glad We Got It Checked
We purchased the recommended braces, and they fit surprisingly well. My daughter said she barely feels any instability, even during intense movements in matches. Seeing her happily play basketball as if she’d never injured her ACL makes me so glad we sought advice. Thank you very much!
Ms. S.R., Niigata Prefecture (Mother)
※ "Patient Testimonials" are individual experiences.
An ACL injury occurs when the "anterior cruciate ligament" within the knee tears or becomes damaged. This injury often happens during sudden directional changes or landing from a jump, making it common in sports like basketball and soccer—popular activities in schools.
Symptoms and Impact
When the ACL is injured, the knee may feel unstable, become swollen, and experience intense pain. This can make movement challenging, even for normal walking, and requires careful care to support the knee properly. Since knee health is crucial during growth, it's essential to consider ways to reduce risks and ensure the ability to continue sports safely.
Treatment Options
In cases of severe injury, surgery might be considered, but during growth periods, careful judgment is required since the knee and bones are still developing. If surgery isn’t performed or in cases of mild injury, using a brace to protect the knee, along with strength training and physical therapy, is another approach. These methods support the knee gradually, allowing safe engagement in daily activities and sports without overexertion.
Ms. S.R.'s Experience with ACL Injury
Injury During Basketball Practice
My daughter is in the 8th grade and a member of the basketball team. She absolutely loves sports and practices diligently every day. However, a few months ago, she hurt her right knee during practice. Both she and I initially thought it might just be a minor sprain, but to be safe, we took her to the hospital, where they suspected an "ACL injury." It was a huge shock for us.
We were told to let her rest for a while, so she took a break to allow her knee to heal. However, the moment she resumed practice, she began feeling instability in her knee, and the pain returned. At only 14 years old and still in a critical growth phase, her bones and muscles are still developing. I became deeply worried about potential re-injury or any adverse effects on her future growth. My daughter is adamantly against surgery, so as her mother, I began researching ways to help her, including finding an ACL brace that could prevent re-injury.
Choosing a Brace for Growth Support and Injury Prevention Along with Acupuncture Treatment
However, I honestly didn’t know which brace would be right for her. I even searched keywords like "knee brace for growing kids." I realized that for children with growth plates still open, a brace that considers mobility and growth, not just strong support, is essential.
That’s when we decided to consult Moriue Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic. Not only did they suggest braces that would be suitable for a growing child, but they also recommended acupuncture to help reduce stress on the knee. They explained that a combination of acupuncture to improve knee blood flow and recovery, along with a supportive brace, was ideal for my daughter’s situation. We decided to move forward with both the brace and acupuncture treatments.
Recommended Knee Braces for ACL Injuries
Using Knee Braces to Treat ACL Injuries
At our clinic, we categorize medical-grade knee braces used in hospitals into Stabilizing, Relapse Prevention, Preventive, and Protective types. This allows us to recommend braces based on the patient's symptoms and intended use.
For immediate post-injury or when instability is severe, use a Stabilizing brace on the affected knee and a Preventive brace on the healthy knee to maintain balance.
As symptoms improve, switch to Relapse Prevention or Preventive braces.
When resting at home, use Protective braces on both knees to keep them warm and maintain stability.
Enhancing Support with Reinforcement Tape
Applying reinforcement tape directly to the skin before wearing a brace can further strengthen muscles, resulting in more stable knee movements.
Example of Using Reinforcement Tape for ACL Injury
For Symptoms of Pain, Instability, or Knee Collapse
Immediately following an ACL injury or in cases of severe pain, use a Stabilizing brace on the affected knee for strong support. On the healthy knee, use a Preventive brace to avoid injuries caused by compensating movements.
This durable, medical-grade knee brace provides strong stabilization, ideal for immediate post-injury recovery, especially when swelling or hematoma is present.
The soft material of these braces allows for flexibility and extended wear, making them ideal for those returning to sports or with active daily routines after an ACL injury. They help stabilize the knee and promote natural movement.
For Preventing Re-injury in Contact Sports
For individuals with a history of injury, there is often an imbalance in weight distribution and joint coordination due to the fear of re-injury during sports. This can lead to deterioration of the injured knee or secondary injuries on the uninjured side. Using re-injury prevention braces on both knees is recommended to help maintain balance and prevent further injury.
This brace is longer in length with cross-belts that apply moderate compression to reduce anterior and posterior knee movement, helping to prevent re-injury of the ACL. With no stays, it’s especially recommended for intense, contact sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
It’s recommended to apply the tape directly to the skin before wearing a knee brace. This enhances muscle support, increasing knee stability. The tape is a soft type, resistant to peeling, and gentle on the skin, with an adhesive backing designed to minimize irritation.
For Prevention During Low-Activity Daily Life
When relaxing at home or during periods of low activity, switch to preventive braces on both knees to help prevent further issues.
This short-length, easy-to-move medical brace is ideal for preventing further issues during daily activities and low-motion situations. It’s recommended for times when you’re less active.
For Resting Care
Protective braces are ideal for use at home when you can rest or during sleep. They are especially recommended for cases where knee pain and symptoms are alleviated by warmth but have been slow to improve.
This knee warmer, made with inner fleece for insulation, is recommended for those who experience knee pain aggravated by cold. It effectively warms the knee, aiding in pain relief and promoting natural healing.
Taking a half-bath with Medicated OnSENSE can help ease inner muscle tension. It’s especially effective for relieving symptoms that benefit from warmth, such as pain reduction.
Using Supporters and Undergoing Acupuncture Treatment
Experience with the Recommended Supporter
Since my daughter started using the recommended supporter, I've been genuinely amazed by how stable her knee has become. Initially, I was a bit skeptical, wondering, "Will just a supporter be enough?" But, she has felt less wobbling in her knee during daily practice and PE classes, and it seems the supporter provides reliable stability even in intense basketball practice.
She also underwent acupuncture treatment twice a day over two weeks. She reported feeling a gradual reduction in knee pain as the treatment continued, and by the end of the two weeks, she barely felt any pain even during intense movements or when bending and straightening her knee.
Her teachers at school also started noticing the improvement, mentioning, "It seems like your knee has been doing well lately." Hearing that truly brought me relief. Now, with the supporter's help, my daughter has regained the confidence that she can continue playing basketball. Though this doesn’t completely solve everything, both she and I feel encouraged to keep up her knee care thanks to the supporter. I hope she can continue to enjoy sports with peace of mind, knowing her knee is protected.
Questions from S.R. in Niigata Prefecture
S.R.
Question 1: Can ACL injuries be healed with just a knee supporter?
Knee supporters provide stability by supporting the muscles and joints around the damaged ligament, but they are not a means for complete recovery. The primary methods for healing involve rehabilitation or surgery. The supporter helps reduce strain on the knee during daily activities and sports, assisting with prevention and recovery. Additionally, acupuncture can promote improvement in ACL injuries.
Kana Yoshiike
S.R.
Question 2: Can I bend and straighten my knee with the supporter on?
The ACL supporters we provide are designed to allow natural knee movement. Even supporters with side aluminum stays flexibly move with knee bending and straightening, allowing for comfortable movement during everyday tasks and sports while maintaining stability.
Kana Yoshiike
S.R.
Question 3: If I wear the supporter for a long time, will it cause muscle weakness?
Knee supporters are not like casts that fully immobilize the joint, so they will not cause muscle weakening. However, it's essential to continue exercising moderately, as over-reliance on the supporter and reducing activity can lead to muscle weakness.
Kana Yoshiike
S.R.
Question 4: Is it okay to wear the supporter all day?
Wearing a supporter during daily activities and sports helps protect the knee. However, if you experience skin irritation or pressure, it's best to remove it occasionally to let your skin rest. It's recommended to avoid wearing it while sleeping, but if necessary, consider a slightly looser size for comfort.
Kana Yoshiike
Author Information
Written by
Kana Yoshiike, Orthopedic Therapist & Acupuncturist at Moriue Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic
Studied alternative medicine from various countries, specializing in South Korea's beauty industry and techniques. Upon returning to Japan, Kana completed extensive readings from the clinic's library. After graduating from acupuncture school, she provided remote consultations to over 2,000 patients nationwide at Corset Museum. Specializes in knee acupuncture treatments and beauty acupuncture. Her personal concern is her speech clarity, which she feels goes unnoticed by foreigners. Drives a Renault 1100.
For Those Who Can Visit the Clinic
Healing ACL Injuries with Acupuncture
About Our Clinic
Our team of acupuncturists and orthopedic therapists offers tailored knee support recommendations via email based on your symptoms.
Moriue Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic provides comprehensive support for knee health. We also operate the online store "Corset Museum," offering knee acupuncture treatment and recommending medical-grade knee supports as part of the treatment.
If you have questions about choosing a knee support or treatment options, feel free to reach out for a free email consultation through our "Corset Museum" online store. We provide tailored advice on choosing the best support for each individual’s needs and symptoms.
Our Unique Examination Methods
Moire Topography
This test visually checks for body tilts by assessing weight balance, which is critical as unbalanced posture can hinder knee recovery.
Thermography
Examines temperature differences around the knee to detect abnormal muscle and ligament activity levels or stress distribution.
Ultrasound Examination
Uses circulatory ultrasound to assess blood flow differences, detecting areas affected by postural shifts that may impact natural healing.
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