About MCL Sprain
An MCL sprain is an inner-knee ligament injury that often happens from a tackle, fall, or twisting force. Physical therapy restores motion and rebuilds strength and lateral stability so the knee can tolerate cutting and contact again. The goal is a confident return to sport with minimal re-injury risk.
Expected Recovery Window
Grade 1: 1–3 weeks. Grade 2: 3–6 weeks. Grade 3: 8–12+ weeks.
Common Symptoms
Pain or tenderness on the inside of the knee; swelling along the medial joint line; pain with cutting or twisting; feeling of instability with side-to-side movement; pain with pivoting or valgus stress; stiffness after activity.
Common Causes
Valgus force to the knee from a tackle or fall; twisting with the foot planted; skiing injury; contact sport collision; combined injury with ACL or meniscus in higher-grade sprains.
How We Treat MCL Sprain
We restore knee range of motion and reduce pain early, then rebuild quad, hamstring, and hip strength while progressively exposing the knee to cutting and lateral forces. Return to sport is criteria-based using strength, hop, and change-of-direction testing — not just time.
