When is physiotherapy recommended for PCL injury?

The posterior cruciate ligament helps prevent the shinbone from moving too far backward. Treatment depends on whether the injury is partial or complete, whether other knee structures are affected, and how stable the joint feels. Early rehabilitation may focus on swelling control, comfortable range of motion and quadriceps activation. Later work can build leg strength, coordination and control for stairs, walking, work or sport. A brace or restricted loading may be advised for a period, so exercises should match the plan from your orthopaedic clinician and physiotherapist.

Arrange an assessment after diagnosis, or sooner if your symptoms change. Your physiotherapist may observe walking, knee motion, muscle control and balance, then progress exercises gradually. Keep the knee within the advised range, use prescribed support correctly and avoid twisting, jumping or contact activity until cleared. Tell the therapist about giving way, locking, increasing swelling or pain after exercise. A home programme works best when each movement is controlled and symptoms settle rather than steadily intensify.

Seek urgent medical help after a new injury if the knee looks deformed, becomes rapidly very swollen, cannot bear weight, or the foot becomes cold, pale, numb or weak. Contact your treating team promptly for repeated buckling, a locked knee, worsening pain, fever, or calf swelling and tenderness. These features may need assessment before rehabilitation continues.

Ask which PCL structures are injured, whether a brace or crutches are needed, which movements are restricted, and what signs show that exercises can progress. Clarify when driving, work, running and sport can be reconsidered.