What to expect from physiotherapy for PCL injury

At the first visit, the physiotherapist reviews how the injury happened, checks swelling, knee movement, walking control and strength, and considers whether other knee structures may also be affected. Early sessions may focus on reducing strain on the posterior cruciate ligament, improving comfortable movement and helping you use a brace or walking aid if one has been recommended.

As the knee settles, exercises commonly target the quadriceps, hip muscles and trunk control. Balance work and tasks such as controlled stepping can help the leg manage load. Progress is based on your examination, symptoms and the demands of your daily activities; a sports programme may add running, changes of direction and sport-specific drills later.

Follow the home plan at the agreed level and record which exercises cause discomfort, swelling or a sense of giving way. Avoid suddenly testing the knee with deep bending, jumping or pivoting until your clinician says those loads are appropriate. Keep follow-up appointments so strength, movement and walking can be reassessed and the plan adjusted.

Contact your clinician promptly if pain or swelling rises sharply, the knee repeatedly gives way, you cannot bear weight, or the calf becomes swollen, warm or painful. Seek urgent help for severe pain after a new injury, a visibly deformed knee, a cold or numb foot, or sudden breathlessness.

Ask which activities should be limited, whether a brace is needed, how progress will be measured, and what findings would make an orthopaedic review or further imaging useful.