ACL/MCL injury and rehabilitation
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) injuries affect your knee(s) and are commonly treated by your physical therapist.
ACL and MCL injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden stops, jumping/landing, twisting, and directional changes. Both MCL and ACL injuries produce pain and swelling in the knee. If you feel pain towards the inside of the knee, you may have a MCL injury. You may hear or feel a “pop” with an ACL injury. ACL injuries are typically felt more on the inside of the knee.
If you suspect an ACL or MCL injury , your physical therapist can perform special tests to help determine or rule out this type of knee injury.
Treatment for your ACL/MCL injury may include:
- Pain relieving modalities (cold pack, ultrasound, electrical stimulation)
- Manual Therapy
- Trigger point dry needling
- Cupping
- Aquatic therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Functional activities
- Kinesiotaping/Sport taping