MCL Sprains and Tears - Treatment and Exercises

In this video, Maryke discusses the treatment options for MCL (medial collateral ligament) injuries in the knee. She also discusses how long an MCL sprain takes to heal, what conservative treatments are useful, whether you should wear a brace, and what rehab exercises to do.
👉 Get your MCL sprain rehab equipment here:
- Knee brace (we recommend this one because it has hinges to prevent the knee from moving side-to-side and can be adjusted to limit knee extension during early recovery): geni.us/EYLk7RM
- Weights: geni.us/MUwdBo
- Resistance bands: geni.us/gTKM
- More resistance band options at the TheraBand Store: geni.us/CC1oT
🌟Need more help with your injury? You’re welcome to consult one of the team at SIP online via video call for an assessment of your injury and a tailored treatment plan: www.sports-injury-physio.com/
📽️Other videos you may find useful:
▶️ Best Types of Knee Brace for MCL Sprains: What You Need to Know: • Best Knee Braces for M...
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:55 Anatomy of the MCL
00:03:10 Mechanism of MCL injuries
00:05:22 Healing times of MCL strains
00:06:59 Treatment for MCL strains
00:08:25 Braces for MCL strains
00:13:50 Rehab for MCL strains
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🖥️Some of the software we use to run our online physiotherapy practice:
➡️ Website hosting and management - Wix: geni.us/AFJ8LK
➡️ Appointment scheduling - Acuity: geni.us/zf6t
➡️ Video consultations - Zoom One (Pro): geni.us/MXVy6
➡️ Rehab exercise library - Wibbi: geni.us/5QVD1 (Free trial and discount via this link)
➡️ Patient satisfaction survey - Typeform: geni.us/nddjZ
➡️ In-house task planner - Notion: geni.us/W2JanX
➡️ Patient notes - Cliniko: geni.us/3LLu7Km (Get £30 off your subscription via this link)
➡️ Bookkeeping - FreeAgent: geni.us/Vk0UHec (Get 10% off your subscription via this link)
➡️ Taking online payments - Square: geni.us/YhkAHO (Sign up with this link to get a choice of rewards from Square)
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If you want to show your appreciation for the advice you found here, you can support my channel by making a donation via PayPal: bit.ly/SIP-channel
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👉Some links here are to places where you can buy something relevant to this video. If you do, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

👉 Get your MCL sprain rehab equipment here: - Knee brace (we recommend this one because it has hinges to prevent the knee from moving side-to-side and can be adjusted to limit knee extension during early recovery): geni.us/EYLk7RM - Weights: geni.us/MUwdBo - Resistance bands: geni.us/gTKM - More resistance band options at the TheraBand Store: geni.us/CC1oT If you buy anything via these links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@metacity75]

You can tell how competent this Therapist is by how passionate she speaks about MCL.

[@zachcouch8654]

Treatment 1. Bend extend (Get full range) 2. Double leg squats (straight legs) 3. Double and single leg glute raises 4. Single leg balance (build up to 30 seoconds 5. Single leg dead lift 6. Leg curls 7. Calf raises 8. Body weight lunges 9. Rotation 10. Jogging 11. Run straight (good form) 12. Run and slowly change direction 13. Grape vine 14. Double leg hops 15. Single leg hops

[@Narci55ist]

Diabolical

[@ShaunSilk-ew7cy]

Brutal

[@jordanleonard6540]

Its frustrating. I got injured lifting weights and I went from being agile to scared I'm going to walk wrong... that list is a good road map to recovery

[@rayrecordings]

Maybe the best explanation and advices on MCL injury out there. I’ve seen dozens. Bravo Doc ! Thanks much.

[@tyhigby4345]

I agree!!

[@LeoPerezmusic]

YESSS! Thank you doc. Love this.

[@gergemall]

Agree❤

[@rolienpotgieter7305]

I am a 56 yr old female - a bit overweight. Prior to my injury I used to walk between 7 & 12km per day atleast 3 x per week. Once I noticed the pain and swelling on my knee I could not walk further than going to the bathroom and back. ( I still cannot fully pinpoint when what happened to cause this injury.) I started using crutches only using the injured knee's toe area for support. I need to start walking again but was afraid I will cause more severe injury. After watching your video explaining the injury, recovery and treatment I feel hopeful again. We were planning a charity walk-a-thon of app. 300km in two months time but now I will just have to postpone it for a little while. Thanx

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your recovery!

[@lianmalynn6927]

This is the best video on MCL strains! Can't tell you how much this helped! Thank you so much for going into so much detail.

[@sahil-uq8wt]

i m suffering bro 😢

[@megajuanvillegas]

Just strainer mine tonight at an indoor game

[@lifebysaif9947]

How long did it take for you to get back to sports?

[@mark16livsey]

I did mine in 2009 jesus h i could hardly walk, 3 years I was limping around, it was defo my MCL but my knee kept swelling. My GP gave me a shot of cortisone behind the knee it was all gone the next day but be warned, keep those toe muscles exercised, because ide not been walking properly for a few years that was my next problem, my toes felt like they were on fire. Im 62 now and and have just recently twisted my knee again, these exercises are not easy.

[@angelinasofia7977]

@@mark16livsey Hi Mark I’ve had an MCL sprain on both legs for almost 2 years now, was it just these exercises that helped you recover in the end? Was there anything else you did aside from the exercises and cortisone shot? And did the cortisone make a huge difference? So sorry you’ve been dealing with this, it’s awful.

[@cperbasc]

This is so helpful. You are so knowledgeable and you can go into detail but in a very clear way. Thank you so much!

[@eliashenriquez102]

Thanks for sharing! Great explanation on progression for exercises, really appreciate it.

[@woodskid4ever]

You are good! Fully understood all of it. Nice refresher for this semi-retired PTA! Thank you for posting.

[@michelekirby7907]

Great video - excellent teaching and diagnostics help. You really put the services I've been getting at my corporate PT chop-shop in perspective... big difference between 'personal trainers' level, versus an actual therapist who knows what they're doing. Very helpful to understand ACL/MCL/PCL interactions when one or all get injured, and how the chain of events triggering off the weakness of one can make vulnerable and injure the others. Thank you!

[@gergemall]

Thank you for your videos. I’m 67; years old and coming back from Covid. Getting my strength back. I over did it working outside and lifting. Never had this injury before. My mom is 96 years old and does the core exercises and walking exercises dally. God bless.

[@RedDefender77]

Τhere's no covid.

[@ssss22]

I love this channel and this specific physiotherapist, absolutely professional.

[@desmondtopps]

Wow, what a brilliant tutorial!! So well explained. I feel so hopeful again. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer]

Brilliant! Gave me the exact protocol that I needed. Thanks 😊

[@c00Ljr]

Thank you , thank you, thank you!! Very detailed and clearly explained. Definitely the best KZbin video for MCL Stains.

[@Nietzscheable]

Most excellent Explanation of MCL Injury, Braces, and protocols of Rehab. I learned More from this short video than from 2 visits to a Doctor!! Maryke - keep up the great work!

[@Legpunch]

What a great video, I believe I have a chronic MCL due to hip weakness and such on the same side. I can now tell my leg is moving in a way that adds strain to my MCL and I appreciate the advice!

[@devkisalkar9719]

Video with a lot of clarity..!! I am a physiotherapy student and I had just got a MCL strain case and needed some rehab guidance. Thankyou! This looks like the perfect explanation I needed and got about just in time.

[@sebrider5695]

Another excellent video, thank you. I'm just watching this for the parts that may also be similarly relevant to an ACL injury.

[@azlanca]

Thank you and God bless for helping so many people

[@tammyg1946]

This is the best video about this type of injury and great rehabilitating techniques. Thank you so much.

[@commentwisely3033]

I got a mcl injury from everyday activities. Feels so silly but it happens. Im at day #2. Going to see the orthopedic soon for an mri. Need a cane to walk. If anyone has a similar injury, I'll update you to help. This video was awesome!!!! Thank you

[@Dumdidei94]

Hi! I am exactly in your situation now. How was your rehab? what has the mri shown (isolated Tear, which grade? or in combination with other ligament injuries)? What was your rehab the first 2 weeks about? I always thought, that you have to put your leg in a stiff brace to help the ligament heal properly. But she said you can move in one direction (felx and ex) to get greater results on collagen tissue...? would love to hear your experience! I am 36 years old, got it from beachvolleyball, traumatic injury.

[@ccibarra3812]

What an amazing, well structured video. Great info that I really appreciate. Thx 🙏🏻

[@robroy8485]

Brilliantly explained- very thorough, well done.

[@RakeshWaghela]

This video is full of passion and empathy. 👍

[@nickolasadams117]

Love all your videos and the simplicity in understanding and following to recovery....avid supporter

[@pedroforonda]

So nice to hear you talk about getting better

[@sandeeprevankar2252]

tried seeing many for sports injury....I find this channel practical, easy to understand and realistic ....things are demystified 👍

[@denovo09]

This was an AWESOME video!! So thorough and well explained. I even enjoyed knowing the physiology you put out for clinicians. Thank you SO much for doing this video. I will definitely check out your other videos based on how good this one was.

[@SP-ig3vs]

you're an angel- thank you for helping me care for an injured knee!

[@imtarsh]

This has been so helpful as I was unaware of what to do.

[@wi11ow13]

Thank you for this super informative video on MCL Strains. Has helped me hugely.

[@recusa6519]

Thank you ! I broke a bone in my ankle but the pain in my knee at the time of the injury was severe. I am 10 weeks out and have had no treatment for the knee. Your explanation of how my knee bent inward on impact makes sense. The pain is over the top, but at least now I know what to expect and I will also know what to say if my ortho surgeon suggests surgery when I see him next week. He has not examined the knee because the broken bone that required surgery was the priority. Thank you again for this very helpful video!

[@malikadavidson3596]

Thank you for the thorough explanation... I really enjoyed this video.

[@ama-tu-an-ki]

I wish I had found this video first instead of all the run-of-the-mill generic MCL treatment videos. Top notch and well explained and demonstrated. Thank you!

[@nickbenoy1159]

Awesome video! Knowing the how and why is extremely helpful

[@greenstair]

Thank you so much for your time and the detail. I've been struggling for nearly a year and this has already started to help me. Very much appreciated.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@peterthelin5152]

Well done! This video was extremely informative! Like many have said, the best video on mcl injury and rehabilitation that I have found to date🎉 This helps so many people start heading In the right direction or validate’s the exercises they are already doing! 🙏🏻 Thank you!

[@nannuchakravarti3123]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing such great information.

[@wendyparks7976]

I agree! This was the most comprehensive thorough description of what why and how to repair an MCL strain/sprain. I am recovering from surgery for a torn medial meniscus and did an exercise in PT that was too taxing and strained/ sprained? my MCL. This video was extremely helpful! I especially appreciate you explaining the progression of exercises and how to know when you can progress to the next one without doing too much. Thank you so much!

[@greenlifesaves]

I am having a MCL strain after running and happened while changing track between highway and off-road. I'm thinking to get self healed as I'm not into pharmaceutical drugs use so I m thinking to Self heal.

[@yodo73]

Sweet heart . Good bless you . Your help is much appreciated. Specially in that moment in my life . Because I can’t even afford to pay braces. I have 2 months suffering for something that the doctor said was arthritis…. Just to see your videos was being a bless for me. I am doing the exercises . I notice a big different. Yes I do have arthritis (slight, the X-ray said) but I was doing lots of over exercise when this suddenly happens. Thanks a lot!!!!

[@marceloterrazas3073]

Best video to fix my mcl strain. Thank you!

[@shubhrabanerjee4803]

I can't thank you enough!!!!! Just so enlightening...

[@ntcanag3494]

Thank you so much .. this is a very simple, lucid, scientific and extremely useful video... It helps not only in treating your injury but also in boosting ur confidence... Braces and surgeries , often suggested immediately ... You have clarified it very well...

[@aaronworth6591]

Incredible talent for describing treatment, thank you so much.

[@antidepressant11]

You are such a precise teacher. Combined with gentle firmness. Thanks again.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@gjchambers3011]

Most comprehensive MCL strain video ever! Thank you 🙏🏾 ☺️

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're so welcome!

[@davidcmatt]

Thank you VERY much for this video, it was more helpful that I can even hope to explain.

[@jakeroberts7032]

I am so glad I've watched this video, truly given a solid understanding of what I need to do, thank you!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FlyingMalamute]

Such a great help! Thank you.

[@pedrorodrigues3521]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@rudyyeung2957]

That is an excellent video. I really like the idea of shifting the weight from the healthy leg to the injured leg by adjusting the body cg to strengthen the weight bearing capability. It is a very simple but effective TP.

[@benjanson7484]

Excellent video very well explained great detail thank you so much👏

[@lisahogan5552]

Ive just had a MPFL quad reco after 2 pattella dislocations and a grade 1 MCL injury. Im going to use these with my recovery plan. Glad I found this 😊

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@bobs-nq8wr]

WOW. Absolutely phenomenal information Maryke, thank you so much for this detailed coverage of MCL strains!!!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

My pleasure!

[@diggler2002]

Makes good sense. Thanks. My knee has been injured for weeks. Need to stop damaging it before I start rehab

[@Doralla1]

By far the very BEST video on MCL injuries covering all aspects of this issue. (and I have watched many). Thank you so much!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@linditapjetri6835]

You explanations is Amazing Thank you very much for your Support

[@md1997]

Wow you did the world a service with this information. Thank you for such detailed explanations

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samelbamel3500]

Amazing video. I just got back into running to lose weight and pushed a little too hard, hurting my knees. Hope this healing plan helps my knee improve a bit quicker. It's very frustrating not being able to run right now! Thanks!

[@dickyhoey]

Great video. Thank you so much.

[@andreszarateteran2634]

This is pure gold, it's just brilliant 👏

[@michaelhanson3150]

Really enjoyed this video, I injured my knee stepping. Down while trail running, I think more of a chronic injury so have found the treatment part and reprogramming my hips part very useful.

[@moamenbayoumy2730]

Omg! Amazing explanation of my whole injury. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@hollywood5703]

I was jumping on the trampoline on one leg and strained this one. I won't be doing that anymore. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@RahulYadav-hc7no]

Amazing explanation !! Thank you so much for making this video, I am truly grateful.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ricardafoxx9597]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@stevegotzler4054]

Very useful. I like this presentation.

[@j_laf9575]

Thank you so much for putting this info out! You people are saints!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Happy to help!

[@wICKEDeL1]

Thank you so so much for sharing your knowledge with us. You are very much appreciated

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Happy to help

[@stephanieharriss]

VERY INFORMATIVE , thank you!

[@patguariglia5838]

Great. Very helpful. Thank you so much

[@10Rache]

What a video! extremely informative. Thanks a lot for putting the time to make this

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

My pleasure!

[@andrea180871]

I was looking for videos explaining what possible injury I have from a fall before going to a doctor and I came across to this video that explains perfectly what happened to me and the type of pain that I am feeling. Very good doctor, I will start on the leg exercise to flex and bend to start recovering.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@Mel-nm1ve]

Thank you so much, can't tell you how much this help

[@stevekuehl3013]

This video is excellent and I learned so much. Thank you!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

So glad!

[@TheWesleyRicardo]

Excellent video, thanks! Just injured my MCL last night. Currently researching my options for getting this thing healed.

[@Modernstoic1]

Awesome awesome breakdown! I’m so grateful for this video🙏🏻

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

So glad!

[@nickf4975]

Awesome video really clear and concise and well presented. Thank you!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're very welcome!

[@DerickkH8]

Love this! Explained so well! Thanks so much

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad you found it useful!

[@twentyminuteman5944]

Brilliant...great understanding!

[@oracle8798]

Brilliant video ! Thanks a ton !!!

[@deanneprock9867]

Unbelievably great information and presentation!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thank you kindly!

[@danielroban3603]

great video, very informative,really helpful thanks a lot

[@christianwolff2940]

This video is super helpful!

[@robrandall1540]

Outstanding video!

[@axisludi]

absolutely brilliant

[@victorb.m.3306]

scouring the internet for some good info i found myself here and regret nothing. Geat explanation and helped a lot.

[@kp1991]

Comprehensive and really helps me understand what to aim for in my treatment. Thanks !

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@alipeyvast5281]

This video is very complete, thanks you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@DayDrumer]

God bless you for this thorough explanation. Now I know what’s happening to my left knee.

[@ukaszbirycki9779]

Thanks for the effort!

[@jhskog]

this was an amazing video! I have been having ligament pain likely due to MCL injury and this is exactly what I needed! so informative with excellent demonstration videos and simplistic recommendations. Thank you!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@JJP888]

Fantastic video. Precise explanation of the problem area , and how to incorporate movement. You are an exceptional doctor . Thank you for this informative video .

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@jjncpa2]

Best video I’ve seen on mcl sprains, great site to subscribe to, always informative

[@ByOdeca]

Thank you!

[@Emily-ep5ky]

Very good explanation and the advice is very practical. Thank you!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@Ontharock]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been weight training my entire life. I'm now 57 and broke my leg in a motorcycle accident just above my ankle but while fixing the Bone with a titanium plate they also performed an upper ankle sprain repair. I also banged up my knees in the accident. The dr always told me nothing was wrong with my knee. I had a MRI done but it showed nothing wrong. when they checked it for stability with my leg straight and asked if it hurt. It didn't. but I knew it hurt when it was bent. they said it will heal as it got stronger. It did get a little better till one week ago about 10 months after the accident. it gradually started hurting more and more. It got very painful but I could still walk. Then I came across this video. I will do the exercises you suggested. They were well explained and the progression you explained was also excellent. Now I know what the injury actually is. That was what I needed. Thank you so much.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I'm glad you found this useful - good luck with your recovery!

[@gideonorina7330]

great explanation i like it

[@samjoshi1984]

Super good instructions. Thank you.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!