pcl injuries
The PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) can be located on the back of your knee and connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The PCL stops the shinbone from moving too far backwards.
What is a PCL injury?
A PCL injury describes any damage to the ligament including partial or complete ruptures.
The PCL is regarded as one of the most important knee ligaments, providing stability. It prevents excessive straightening and twisting of the knee and any backward movement of the tibia.
The PCL ligament injury can be categorised into 3 grades:
Grade 1: mild damage
Grade 2: partial ligament tear
Grade 3: complete ligament tear
What causes a PCL injury?
When a force placed on the PCL is excessive, it can cause a tear or strain. PCL tears generally occur suddenly from a particular incident however sometimes a PCL injury can occur due to repetitive strain.
There are 3 main movements that cause stress on the PCL:
- Hyperextension of the knee
- Knee twisting
- The tibia moving backwards on the femur
What are the symptoms of a PCL injury?
There are a few different symptoms of a PCL injury:
- A snap or tear when the injury occurs
- Pain when walking- often felt deep within your knee or on the rear aspect of your knee
- Instability at the knee joint
- Swelling
- A feeling of weakness at the knee
- Movement restrictions with pain
In less serious cases following the injury you may be able to continue with the activity you’re doing with an increase in swelling, stiffness and pain.
How is a PCL injury diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a thorough knee assessment to diagnose whether you have injured your PCL. Your doctor may refer you for an MRI scan to confirm diagnosis and to see if any other structures have been damaged.
How is a PCL injury diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a thorough knee assessment to diagnose whether you have injured your PCL. Your doctor may refer you for an MRI scan to confirm diagnosis and to see if any other structures have been damaged.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for a PCL injury?
The treatment for a PCL injury depends on the severity of the injury and whether or not surgery has been required. Once you have been assessed, your physiotherapist will choose the most appropriate treatment methods based on your symptoms and response to different treatments.
Treatment options for a PCL injury include:
- Functional activities based on everyday activities
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Electrotherapy
- Ice/heat therapy
- Balance training
- Range of movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
Benefit of physiotherapy for a PCL injury
Physiotherapy is paramount when you are recovering from a PCL injury in order to effectively rehabilitate your knee and stop the injury from happening again. The particular benefits you receive from physiotherapy will depend on your original symptoms and treatment goals.
Physiotherapy leads to:
- Reduced pain
- Reduced swelling
- Improved range of movement
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved balance and proprioception
- Enhanced general fitness
- Promotion of healing and a quicker return to sports
- Promotion of independence with activities of daily living
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.