Does physiotherapy treat MCL injury?

The medial collateral ligament supports the inner side of the knee. An injury can cause inner-knee pain, swelling, tenderness or a feeling that the knee is not steady, particularly during sideways movement. Rehabilitation often begins with comfortable motion, swelling management and exercises for the thigh and hip muscles. Later work can include balance, controlled changes of direction and tasks that resemble your job or sport. A physiotherapist may coordinate with a doctor about a brace or imaging when the knee is unstable, another ligament may be involved, or a fracture is possible.

Follow the movement and weight-bearing limits provided after assessment. Keep exercises controlled and do not add cutting, pivoting or contact drills until your knee is ready. Use prescribed support as directed and build walking distance in stages. Notice whether swelling, limping or inner-knee pain settles between sessions. If progress stalls, the programme should be reviewed rather than pushed harder; persistent instability can change the rehabilitation approach.

Seek urgent assessment if the knee is visibly deformed, you cannot put weight through it, the foot becomes numb or cold, or pain and swelling are severe after trauma. Arrange prompt review if the knee repeatedly gives way, cannot fully straighten, or becomes increasingly red and hot with fever. These features can point to a more complex injury or infection.

Ask which grade of MCL injury is present, whether other knee structures are affected, how long bracing is needed, and which tests should be painless or stopped. Ask what strength and stability goals should be met before sport.