Types and Symptoms of Knee Ligament Injury

• ACL Injury: Severe pain and instability after a sudden twist

• PCL Injury: Pain in the back of the knee

• MCL Injury: Pain on the inner side of the knee

• LCL Injury: Pain and weakness on the outer side of the knee

Goals of Physiotherapy

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Restore full range of motion of the knee joint

• Improve ligament healing and joint stability

• Prepare the knee for daily activities and sports

Physiotherapy Treatments

1. Acute Phase Management

• RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Cold Therapy: Helps reduce pain and inflammation.

• TENS Therapy: Used for pain relief.

2. Range of Motion Exercises

• Knee Bending and Straightening: Reduces stiffness.

• Heel Slides: Improve knee flexion.

• Passive ROM Exercises: Used in the early stage to maintain mobility.

3. Strengthening Exercises

Once pain and swelling are under control:

• Quadriceps Strengthening: Straight leg raises.

• Hamstring Strengthening: Improves knee support.

• Hip and Glute Strengthening: Enhances lower limb stability.

4. Balance and Proprioception Training

• Single-leg balance exercises.

• Wobble board and balance pad training.

5. Functional and Sports Rehabilitation

• Training for walking, stair climbing, and squatting.

• Sports-specific drills to regain pre-injury performance.

Frequency and Duration

• Physiotherapy sessions are usually recommended 3–5 days per week initially.

• A home exercise program is a crucial part of recovery.

• Recovery may take 8–16 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.