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CHIROPRACTIC

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears

Knee pain after a hard twist?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a band of tissue on the inside of your knee that keeps it stable. An MCL tear usually happens from a sudden twist, a direct hit to the knee, or quick changes in direction during sports. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of instability when walking or turning. While minor tears may heal with rest, moderate to severe injuries typically need physical therapy to fully restore strength and stability.

Understanding MCL Tears

Top 3 Benefits of Treating MCL Tears

Relieve Pain and Swelling

Physical therapy uses gentle exercises, manual techniques, and targeted treatments to calm inflammation and improve circulation. This reduces pain and stiffness, allowing you to move your knee more comfortably in everyday activities.

Restore Knee
Strength
and Stability

Therapy strengthens the muscles surrounding your knee and improves joint control. With better support, your knee feels more stable and less likely to “give out,” giving you confidence to walk, bend, and return to sports safely.

Prevent Long-Term
Knee Problems

Without proper rehab, an MCL tear can lead to chronic instability and future injuries. Therapy teaches proper movement, improves flexibility, and strengthens your knee to protect against recurring pain or reinjury.

Top 5 Treatments for MCL Tears

  1. Targeted strengthening exercises – Builds support around the knee for improved stability.
  2. Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
  3. Balance and stability training – Retrains your body to handle daily activities safely.
  4. Bracing or support taping – Provides extra protection while the ligament heals.
  5. Home exercise program – Keeps your recovery progressing between therapy visits.
South Shore Physical Therapy

FAQs About MCL Tears

Usually sports injuries, awkward twists, or direct hits to the inside of the knee.

Pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability along the inner side of the knee.

Yes—most MCL tears heal well with physical therapy and non-surgical care.

Mild tears may heal in a few weeks, while severe ones may take several months.

Often yes, but it may be painful or unstable without proper treatment.

Yes—most athletes return to play once strength and stability are restored.

You risk long-term instability, recurring pain, and possible reinjury.

Exams often identify it, but MRIs may be used for confirmation and severity.

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying

Hajja Tijaniyya
Hajja Tijaniyya
Dr. Davies provided the highest standard of professional care and human compassion. His staff reflected the professional, compassionate example he set. I live an hour away from Randolph. Dr. Davies saw me during his lunch break to permit me to avoid peak traffic hours. I can't recommend this practice highly enough.
Michael J O`Sullivan
Michael J O`Sullivan
Following a work-related injury, I have been attending Barbati & Davies Chiropractic since 2001. The care received from Dr Jim & Dr Craig has always been top class & has enabled me to have a much better quality of life . On the one occasion that I had to call their emergency # , Dr Craig came to the office to treat me . As this was on a Sunday I was most impressed .Their staff are always professional, respectful, courteous, & friendly ,from your greeting to your goodbye. My wife has ran 10 marathons & she is also a very happy patient. We get great care while being treated like family.
Latasha Darget
Latasha Darget
Great experience here! The staff was very kind and knowledgeable. I feel a lot better than when I came in. If you are looking for client focused & professional Chiropractor/Physical Therapy, come here. The staff are very friendly. They put you and your needs first. Thank you all for your service. I highly recommend this facility for all your Chiropractor and or Physical therapy needs.

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