An ACL tear is an injury common in athletes. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately 200,000 ACL injuries are diagnosed in the United States each year—about 70% of ACL tears in sports are the result of noncontact injuries, and 30% are the result of direct contact (player-to-player or player-to-object). ACL tears are associated with immediate pain and swelling, a “pop” feeling, and/or your knee giving out or collapsing. An MRI may be necessary to confirm diagnosis and rule out other damage. In some cases, physical therapy alone can be used to treat an ACL injury. If surgery is necessary, physical therapy is recommended before and after surgery, focusing on a variety of treatment methods designed to help you successfully return to physical activity.

PRO~PT’s ACL Injury Prevention Program was created to assist in decreasing the number of non-contact ACL injuries sustained by competitive female soccer players in our area.

The MCL connects the thighbone and the shinbone on the side of your knee that prevents your knee from bending inward. It is the most commonly damaged ligament in the knee, typically injured in a violent twist or a blow to the outside of the knee. Pain, swelling, and instability are all common symptoms, but fortunately, surgery is rarely necessary. Physical therapy treatment plans can began almost immediately after injury to encourage speedy recovery.

A PCL injury takes place when one of the ligaments inside of the knee is overstretched, usually occurring in an impact but sometimes happening gradually over time. It can be overstretched, partially torn, or fully torn. These injuries may not result in complete immobility, but symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, and pain under stress. Surgery usually isn’t necessary, and physical therapy will help you return to activity quickly and safely.

A meniscal tear is damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Symptoms of meniscal tears include sharp pain, a “pop” feeling, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee or putting weight on it. Acute meniscal tears happen as a result of a singular movement, often sustained while twisting quickly on a bent knee, while degenerative tears happen over time. Physical therapy can help return full function to the knee, whether surgery is necessary or not. Treatments include strengthening exercises, compression, and ice, and patients often use crutches or a walker during rehabilitation.

Knee OA is the progressive inflammation and wearing away of the cartilage inside the knee joint. Usually, this condition is diagnosed by your doctor; you are then referred to physical therapy for treatment. Your treatment plan can include everything from range-of-motion and strength exercises to braces and manual therapy. Sometimes, surgical intervention is recommended in addition to physical therapy.

Anterior knee pain, or patellofemoral pain, is pain around the kneecap that is caused by the kneecap shifting out of position. Young females are most at risk for this condition, but there are many different causes that may lead to other patients developing it, too. The primary symptom is pain, and treatment may involve physical therapy and/or arthroscopic surgery.

Using a small camera called an arthroscope, a surgeon can examine, diagnose, and treat a variety of conditions inside a patient’s knee joint. This outpatient surgical option has reduced scarring, quicker recovery, and fewer risks. Physical therapy ensures healthy recovery and helps to maintain good range of motion.

Patients with serious meniscus tears may need to undergo a meniscectomy, where a surgeon will remove the torn cartilage. It is usually a simple procedure, but it can require a few months of recovery with physical therapy. Rehabilitation is very similar to what happens for a nonsurgical meniscal tear.

The knee is the most commonly replaced joint in the body. Surgery is usually performed to repair joint damage, fracture, or alignment problems. Physical therapy can help before and after surgery, allowing you to properly prepare for the surgery and recover efficiently. After surgery, your physical therapy will begin almost right away so that you can learn to accomplish simple movements and begin working toward full mobility and strength. Your body needs to relearn certain motions, which can take time, but consistent physical therapy will help return to doing what you love.