The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the thick band of tissues in the knee that connect the thigh bone and shin bone. This important ligament can become sprained or torn due to twisting the knee, falling, or quickly changing directions while running or walking. At Advance Physical Therapy, we offer sports rehab in Nassau County to help patients recover from their MCL injuries and return safely to an active and pain-free life. Continue reading to discover more about physical therapy for MCL injuries!
What is an MCL Injury?
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly damaged ligament in the knee that can become ruptured or sprained when significant force is applied to the ligament. The MCL provides critical stability and support to the knee during cutting movements and prevents the knee from bending inward. A painful MCL injury can occur when the knee is twisted awkwardly or hit on the outer side of the leg. Some of the notable symptoms of an MCL injury include:
- Knee stiffness.
- Pain on the inside of the knee.
- Bruising or swelling at the knee.
- Pain when you attempt to straighten or bend the knee.
- Knee instability
If you’ve experienced an MCL injury, our team at Advance Physical Therapy is here to help!
Physical Therapy for MCL Injuries
At Advance Physical Therapy, we offer sports rehab in Nassau County to speed up the MCL injury recovery process. Our therapy experts will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of your injury and craft a personalized MCL treatment plan to get you back to health. Your treatment program will likely involve therapeutic exercises to help you return to your normal activities. Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment method for MCL injuries and includes:
- Pain reduction and management through manual therapy and ice and heat therapy.
- Range of motion exercises.
- Aerobic conditioning through targeted cardiovascular exercises.
- Strengthening exercises of the leg and knee.
- Functional training to ensure the MCL can handle future activities.
- Balance and agility training.
Contact Us For Sports Rehab in Nassau County
If you are dealing with a MCL injury, our team at Advance Physical Therapy is here to help! Our physical therapy team will work with you throughout your recovery to help you regain function and strength and return to your favorite activities safely! Be sure to contact us today and request an appointment for sports rehab in Nassau County.