Does physiotherapy treat PCL injury?

The posterior cruciate ligament helps limit backward movement of the shin relative to the thigh. An injury may cause swelling, stiffness, pain or a feeling that the knee is unreliable, particularly after a forceful impact or a fall onto a bent knee. Rehabilitation commonly begins with protection, swelling management and carefully selected range-of-motion work. It then develops quadriceps strength, balance and control for walking, stairs and other demands. A more complex injury, combined ligament damage or ongoing instability may require an orthopaedic opinion as well as physiotherapy.

Have the knee assessed before returning to sport or strenuous work. Use crutches, a brace or activity limits only as directed, and do not test the knee with pivoting or contact activity while it is unstable. Complete the prescribed exercises and report increased swelling, locking or giving way. Progress should be based on movement quality and function, not a calendar alone. Find out more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent care for a deformed knee, severe pain after trauma, inability to bear weight, rapidly increasing swelling, or numbness, weakness or colour change in the foot. Contact your clinician promptly if the knee repeatedly gives way, becomes locked, or fails to improve with the agreed plan.

Ask whether the PCL injury is isolated, whether imaging has shown its extent, and what brace or weight-bearing instructions apply. Clarify the milestones for driving, work, running and contact sport, and when surgery should be considered.