The Medial Collateral Ligament is a band of tissues within the knee. It is also known as the MCL and it connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. Advance Physical Therapy in Valley Stream, New York, has treated many patients who have suffered from MCL injuries such as sprains and tears, and understand how important it is to properly treat a medial collateral ligament injury.

A medial collateral ligament injury can occur when the knee is being used during an activity and undergoes bending, twisting, or a quick change of direction. Sports such as soccer, football, rugby, tennis, skiing and other sports that involve jumping, weaving and stop-and-go movements have been shown to result in more MCL injuries. In Valley Stream, we examine each patient in order to properly diagnose them. Diagnosing an MCL injury is typically easy because of evident swelling, tenderness, and decreased the range of motion. Patients suffering from an MCL injury typically experience

  • Pain on the inner side of the knee
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Stiffness in the knee
  • Difficulty when trying to bend or straighten the knee
  • An unstable feeling
  • Difficulty walking or sitting down

Physical therapy and medial collateral ligament injuries go hand and hand. In Valley Stream, our patients who have MCL injuries have seen great improvement through physical therapy. There are many techniques that your physical therapist in Valley Stream can use for an MCL injury. If the injury is within the first 24-48 hours your Advance Physical Therapy may recommend avoiding walking, icing the area on and off for 15-20 minutes, and wrapping the area with an elastic bandage. There are many techniques that a physical therapist can use to treat and alleviate the pain of a medial collateral ligament injury. In Valley Stream, our physical therapists will use heat and ice applications, ultrasounds, massages, electric stimulation, taping, and exercises to improve strength, motion, balance, and recovery time.

If you believe you are suffering from a medial collateral ligament injury stop by Advance Physical Therapy in Valley Stream, Wantagh, Lindenhurst, and Astoria for physical therapy help!