This protocol is intended to provide a general guideline to treating an mcl sprain. Before doing the following exercises, warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of low impact activity, like walking or riding a stationary bicycle. Rehabilitation after injury to the medial collateral. Rehabilitation after injury to the medial collateral ligament of the. They should include mobility, strengthening, proprioception and functional or sports specific exercises.
May 29, 2016 an mcl, or medial collateral ligament, injury affects the ligament on the within portion of your knee. Pcl non operative rehabilitation guideline this rehabilitation program is designed to return the individual to their activities as quickly and safely as possible. Exercises to support the mcl and acl of the knee sportsrec. Rehabilitation after injury to the medial collateral ligament of the knee. Simple exercises can be done as shown on the back of the page. Do this exercise if you are unable to extend your knee fully. Crutches and restricted weight bearing may be needed, as instructed by dr. University of pittsburgh medical center suggests noninvasive treatment for grades one and two sprains. Patient will wear immobilizer for 2 weeks following injury, except in p. An mcl, or medial collateral ligament, injury affects the ligament on the within portion of your knee. Aim for 3 sets of 10 to 20 repetitions during rehabilitation. Work with your doctor to plan a rehabilitation rehab program that helps you regain as much. Lie on your stomach with your legs right out behind you.
Here we explain the symptoms, causes, treatment and rehabilitation of an mcl sprain. Rehab protocols list of protocols click here to download pdf. Then hook your other foot around your ankle to help pull your heel even. Progress this exercise by adding weight, increasing the depth of the squat to. Medial knee ligament mcl sprain symptoms, treatment. Jul 11, 2010 when healing ligaments, do exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles after adequate rest.
Your medial collateral ligament, or mcl, is one of four strong bands that stabilize your knee joint. It helps to connect your shin and thigh bones to keep your knee stable and working properly. Keep your leg straight and your thigh muscle tight. L proprioception exercises l closed kinetic chain squat program l closed kinetic chain unilateral squats, dips, and stepup progression. Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. This program may be accelerated for grade i mcl sprains or may be extended depending on the severity of the injury. When appropriate exercises can be progressed with weight, elastic bands or weight machines. Icing your injury is important in the healing process. A guide for patients with collateral ligament sprain of the knee. Lateral collateral ligament strengthening exercises move. Easy stationary bike for range of motion roms, quads, straight leg raises slrs, calf raises. Jul 06, 2019 a medial collateral knee ligament sprain or mcl sprain is a tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee. Do these daily for maximum recovery and you will be back in action before you know it.
The majority of mcl tears are isolated injuries and many times are treated nonoperatively. C compression place an ice bag on the ankle for 15 to 20. After an mcl sprain, depending on severity, the knee loses some of its sidetoside stability and the knee feels like it. Nov 03, 2016 mcl sprain exercises should form part of a rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation exercises a meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Medial collateral ligament mcl rehabilitation protocol weeks postinjury 12 weeks initiate physical therapy. Strengthening exercises for medial collateral ligament mcl knee. Acl injury rehab,acl rehab,acl recovery,acl surgery. You may do the remaining exercises when you have less pain and swelling in your knee. Rehabilitation after injury to the medial collateral ligament. Chattanooga, tn 423 6242696 the injury ankle sprains are very common ankle injuries, usually the result of the ankle turning inward. The following schedule serves as guidelines to help in the expediency of returning a patient to his or her preinjury state.
Rehab exercises after an mcl injury include stretches and muscle strengthening exercises. Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. See the full rehabilitation program for details of when the. The mcl can be sprained or torn as a result of a blow to the outer side of the knee, by twisting the knee, or by quickly changing directions while walking or running. Elevate the ankle above heart level until swelling subsides. Target muscles include the quadriceps, hip flexors, hamstrings and calves. Although a full tear may need surgery and weeks of rehab, you might be able to recuperate from a partial tear or strain to complete strength in a matter of days or weeks. If improperly treated, they can develop into a chronic problem.
While lying on your back, place a rolledup towel under the heel of your injured leg so the heel is about 6 inches off the ground. Physical therapy for medial collateral ligament injury. Exclusive physiotherapy guide for physiotherapists. If you have injured just your lcl, treatment is similar to an mcl sprain.
If treated quickly and properly, however, ankle sprains can heal well, allowing safe return to activity. Use exercises to support your joints following a sprain with help from a physical therapist in this. Stand with the feet just wider than shoulder width and back straight. A medial collateral ligament mcl injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee.
The mcl medial collateral ligament is a band of tissue that runs along the inner edge of your knee. Rehabilitation after ankle sprain brett sanders, md center for sports medicine and orthopaedic 2415 mccallie ave. Sep 27, 2014 a grade ii mcl sprain is caused by a greater valgus stress force. Symptoms of an injured mcl include pain, possible swelling, and a feeling of instability when trying to stand. Rehabilitation after ankle sprain center for sports.
Best knee strengthening exercises summit medical group, mcl rehab. As you work through the initial stages of recovery, and your knee begins to heal, start to introduce some very gentle movements, using light stretches and rotations to reduce the build up of scar tissue and allow greater flexibility at the injured part. The knee should be stable at full extension, with laxity only present at 30 degrees flexion. When healing ligaments, do exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles after adequate rest. This protocol was designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a guideline of postoperative care.
Physical findings include marked tenderness over the mcl, mild to moderate swelling and pain and laxity on valgus stress testing. The knee should be to be protected with a hinged brace for 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon the severity of the injury. Medial collateral ligament sprain exercises summit medical group. Mcl knee sprain grade iii adopted 298, revised 204, revised 109 1 general principles. The first six weeks after injury grade 2 and 3 three weeks after injury grade 1 the knee should be protected with a shorthinged brace for 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon the severity of the injury. These can be a result of a traumatic injury or stress over time. Loosen the wrap if your toes start to turn blue or feel cold. Performing the exercises three to five days a week will maintain strength and range of motion in your foot and ankle. Ankle sprains are very common injuries, usually the result of the foot turning in. How well the knee will heal and whether surgery will be needed depends in large part on the type of tear see figure in appendix and how bad the tear is. Following an mcl injury, it is important to strengthen the surrounding muscles to help take the strain off the ligament. Medial collateral ligament mcl reconstruction repair postop rehabilitation protocol the following is a protocol for postoperative patients following acl reconstruction. At about two or three weeks following injury, the pain is usually subsiding and the swelling is lessened. Range of motion and strengthening exercises brace off.
You can now try to stretch the knee to regain motion. The medial collateral ligament mcl is the most commonly damaged ligament in the knee. Summit medical group, mcl sprain strength excercises knee exercises, knee, mcl sprain rehabilitation exercises iytmedcom. The medial collateral ligament mcl and anterior collateral ligament acl are located in the knee joint. We always recommend seeking professional advice before starting any medial ligament strengthening exercises. This ligament is one of the four main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. A grade ii mcl sprain is caused by a greater valgus stress force. Strengthening, flexibility, and balance activities should be continued to prevent future injuries.
Injuries to them are fairly common among adults, but strength training can do wonders for any knee ligament. It is usually caused by twisting or direct impact, but may develop gradually over time through overuse. Knee rehabilitation exercises to ensure that this program is safe and effective for you, it should be performed under your doctors supervision. Continue electric muscle stim to quads during isotonic strengthening. Feb 16, 2016 these are the best exercises for strengthening your knee after mcl injury. A guide for patients with collateral ligament sprain of.
Lateral knee brace if necessary maintenance program continue isotonic strengthening exercises continue flexibility exercises continue proprioceptive activities. Although rest and ice will most often be the first steps in your treatment, you will also be combating stiffness due to inactivity. Fold your arms under your head and rest your head on your arms. Jul 21, 2017 an mcl, or medial collateral ligament, injury affects the ligament on the inside portion of your knee. The first six weeks after injury grade 2 and 3 three weeks after injury grade 1 the knee should be to be protected with a hinged brace for 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon the severity of the injury. Physical therapists guide to medial collateral ligament. Trauma, falls, or sports injuries can produce forces that tear, over stretch or compress the joint or the soft tissue.
Injuries to the collateral ligaments tend to occur when a person is bearing weight and the knee is forced inwards or outwards, such as slipping on ice or. Draw your belly button in to your spine and tighten your abdominal muscles. A medial collateral ligament mcl knee sprain is a prevalent injury in athletic populations that may result in significant time lost to injury. The anatomy of the medial knee has been divided into 3 layers, consisting of the deep fascia of the thigh, the superficial medial collateral ligament mcl and the deep mcl and posteriomedial joint capsule1. Medial collateral ligament injury of the knee physiopedia. Elevate the leg and use elastic stockings if the leg is swollen. Depending on their location, other knee injuries may be repaired using arthroscopy instead of open surgery.
Located on the interior side of your knee, injuries to this area are usually a result of a blow to the outside of the knee. Medial collateral ligament mcl rehabilitation protocol. Aug 14, 2017 the most severe sprain is the grade three sprain, or a complete rupture or tear of the ligament. Tighten the thigh muscle on your injured side and lift your leg about 8 inches off the floor. Squat down halfway to horizontal or about 45 degrees and return to standing. Mcl repair repairing the mcl is done with open surgery. Progress should be modified on an individual basis. Nonoperative mcl tear rehabilitation protocol the intent of this protocol is to provide the clinician with a guideline for a nonoperative rehabilitation course of a patient with an isolated medial cruciate ligament injury. Medial collateral ligament mcl knee sprains can be a painful and debilitating injury to deal with. To ensure that this program is safe and effective for you, it should be performed under your doctors supervision. The mcl is screwed, stapled, or stitched back into place.
Mcl sprain exercises should form part of a rehabilitation program. Best exercises for mcl injury rehabalitation youtube. The primary goal of this protocol is to protect the reconstruction while steadily progressing towards and ultimately achieving preinjury level of activity. With a proper mcl injury rehabilitation protocol, even a complete mcl tear should completely heal. There are two collateral ligaments, one either side of the knee, which act to stop side to side movement of the knee. These are the best exercises for strengthening your knee after mcl injury. Slide your heel back by bending your affected knee as far as you can. In the midst of some form of activity, you likely twisted or turned your knee at a bad angle, and heard a loud pop. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you meet your rehabilitation goals. Increased blood flow means more nutrients, proteins. As the pain lessens and the swelling decreases, try.
Knee pain is often caused by ligament sprains, muscle strains, or irritateddamaged cartilage. This protocol was designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with. Regaining a full range of motion of the knee joint is the first priority in this phase of the rehabilitation process. But if your lcl injury involves other structures in your knee, your treatment will address those, as well. With a light ankle weight, lie on stomach and bend knee. Hold for about 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds. Relax your leg muscles and let gravity slowly straighten your knee. E elevation wrap an elastic bandage from the toes to mid calf, using even pressure.
They are often immediately and severely painful and incapacitating. Bend the knee on your uninjured side and place the foot flat on the floor. Do two to three sets of 10 repetitions of the following exercises three days a week. Both the mcl and acl help connect the thigh and shin bones. The most severe sprain is the grade three sprain, or a complete rupture or tear of the ligament. Place a towel or cloth between the skin and the ice to prevent skin injury.
It is one of the most common knee injuries and results mostly from a valgus force on the knee. After an injury or surgery, an exercise conditioning program will help you return to. If there is any increase in pain or swelling or loss of rom, these can serve as signs that the progression of the. It is designed for rehabilitation following a pcl injurytear, typically grade i and ii. An mcl sprain is an injury sustained by the medial collateral ligament mcl. It is attached to the bottom of the femur thighbone, runs down the inside of the knee, over the joint, and attaches at its other end to the top of the tibia shinbone. Rehab exercises after an mcl injury include stretches and muscle. Mcl injury campus recreation university of nebraskalincoln. The mcl, unlike other ligaments like the anterior cruciate ligament acl, has a great blood supply. This is a type of surgery that uses small incisions. The above program may be accelerated for first degree mcl sprains or may be extended depending on the severity of the injury. Mcl injury most often occurs in athletes, although nonathletes can also be affected. An ankle sprain occurs when a ligament connecting the ankle bones is stretched or torn.