How effective is physiotherapy for MCL injury?

The medial collateral ligament supports the inner side of the knee. After an injury, pain, swelling, guarded movement, and reduced strength can make the knee feel unreliable. Physiotherapy begins with an assessment of tenderness, movement, walking, balance, and the knee's response to gentle load. Early care may emphasise comfortable movement and protection from forces that stress the inner knee. As symptoms settle, exercises can target the thigh, hip, and calf, while balance work helps the leg respond during everyday movement. The plan depends on the injury's severity and whether other knee structures are involved.

Follow the protection and activity advice given after assessment. Use the prescribed range-of-motion and strengthening exercises regularly, keeping the knee aligned over the foot during supported tasks. Increase walking, stairs, and sport-specific drills in stages rather than moving directly from rest to pivoting or contact activity. A brace may be recommended in some cases, but its use should match clinical advice. Report persistent swelling, giving way, or pain on the inner knee so the programme can be reassessed.

Seek prompt assessment if the knee cannot bear weight, becomes locked, looks markedly deformed, or swells rapidly after an injury. Get medical advice for increasing calf swelling or pain, a cold or unusually pale foot, or new numbness. Arrange review if the knee repeatedly gives way or progress stops despite following the plan, because another ligament, cartilage, or bone injury may need consideration.

Ask which movements currently stress the MCL, whether you need temporary support, and what signs show that strengthening can progress. Clarify when stairs, running, cutting, or contact drills are appropriate, and what to do if swelling returns after exercise.