What can a physical therapy treatment do to help an MCL tear?
Physical therapy treatment for an MCL injury can include:
- Pain management and reduction using ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, taping, and manual therapy.
- Gentle range of motion exercises of the knee and leg with a focus on first strengthening the quadriceps to support knee flexion early on.
How do you treat MCL and LCL?
If you have a Grade I or Grade II MCL or LCL knee sprain, your doctor will likely prescribe the following treatments:
- The R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for pain.
- A knee brace for a short time.
Should you exercise with an MCL injury?
three weeks after injury (grade 1) weeks following injury, the pain is usually subsiding and the swelling is lessened. You can now try to stretch the knee to regain motion. Stationary cycle, swimming (flutter kick only) and the following exercise program are recommended.
How do you rehab a LCL?
Lateral step-up
- Stand sideways on the bottom step of a staircase with your injured leg on the step and your other foot on the floor. Hold on to the banister or wall.
- Use your injured leg to raise yourself up, bringing your other foot level with the stair step.
- Slowly lower your foot back down.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How do you stretch your LCL?
Lie on the floor close enough to a wall so that you can place both legs up on the wall. Your hips should be as close to the wall as is comfortable for you. Start with both feet resting on the wall. Slowly let the foot of your affected leg slide down the wall until you feel a stretch in your knee.
What exercises are good for LCL injury?
Knee flexion with heel slide
- Lie on your back with your knees bent.
- Slide your heel back by bending your affected knee as far as you can. Then hook your other foot around your ankle to help pull your heel even farther back.
- Hold for about 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
What is the fastest way to recover from an MCL injury?
The injury tends to heal on its own with rest over a period of a few weeks. You should do a few things right away to ensure that you heal quickly and completely: Immediately after the injury, you should apply ice to help with pain and relieve swelling. Elevate your knee over your heart using cushions.
Is cycling good for knee ligament injury?
Cycling can also help promote the health of knee cartilage and support the healing process in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. With those suffering from arthritis, inactivity can lead to swelling and stiffness in joints that often worsens after long periods without use.
What are some exercises to strengthen a MCL?
Stand with your back facing a wall.
How to strengthen your MCL?
Stand up straight and place a thick pillow between your knees.
Can physical therapy help a MCL injury?
Physical therapy can also be quite effective to help speed up recovery and strengthen the knee. If you have an ACL injury or MCL injury, physical therapy (PT) can be used as a first line of care or after surgery. The aim of physical therapy is to restore full integrity and function of the knee.
How can I tell if I tore my MCL?
A “popping” sound when the injury occurs.