Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tear

MCL tears are common injuries. A forceful stress on the outside of the knee can cause a stretching and injury of the MCL. Signs and symptoms include knee pain at the inner aspect and swelling. Medial meniscal tears and ACL injury may occur with severe trauma (commonly occurs during football and soccer). Initially, rest, ice, elevation and compression is necessary followed by bracing and rehabilitation. Severe tears may require surgery.

Possible Treatments

• Core Strengthening 
• Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy 
• Electrotherapeutic Modalities
• Gait or Walking Training 
• Isometric Exercise 
• Knee Active Range of Motion 
• Knee Joint Mobilization 
• Knee Passive Range of Motion 
• Knee Resistive Range of Motion 
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation 
• Proprioceptive Neu\romuscular Facilitation (PNF) 
• Proprioception Exercises 
• Physical Agents
• Soft Tissue Mobilization 
• Stretching/Flexibility Exercise 

Possible Treatment Goals

• Improve Balance
• Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
• Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
• Improve Fitness
• Improve Function
• Improve Muscle Strength and Power
• Increase Oxygen to Tissues
• Improve Proprioception
• Decrease Postoperative Complications
• Improve Range of Motion
• Self-care of Symptoms
• Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
• Improve Wound Healing

Additional Resources

• 3d Anatomy of the Knee
• Knee Info from Medline Plus