PCL sprains are some of the most common knee injuries. They occur when there is damage to the posterior cruciate ligament, a fibrous band that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) at the back of the knee joint. PCL sprains may be caused by direct blows to the knee, hyperextension, or severe twisting, and can cause significant pain and disability.
If you’ve recently suffered a PCL sprain, you may be wondering whether the injury will heal on its own, or whether you’ll need to seek treatment. In this post, we’ll explore that question, and examine some of the treatment options available to those with PCL sprains, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
So, can a PCL sprain go away on its own without any medical intervention? The short answer is that it depends on the severity of the injury. Minor PCL sprains, where the ligament is only slightly stretched or partially torn, may be able to heal on their own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method). These sprains may also require the use of crutches, a knee brace, or both to minimize pain and swelling and help with mobility. Your doctor or physiotherapist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment, depending on the severity of your particular PCL sprain.
For more severe PCL sprains, however, medical intervention is likely required. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the ligament or replace it with a graft from another part of the body. However, surgery is usually only recommended for cases of complete PCL rupture that cause significant instability and loss of function. For less severe PCL sprains, nonsurgical options like physiotherapy and chiropractic care may be more appropriate.
Physiotherapy is a type of treatment that focuses on restoring function and mobility to the body, using exercises and other techniques to help patients recover from injury or illness. In the case of PCL sprains, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option, helping to strengthen the knee and reduce pain and inflammation. Treatment may include exercises designed to improve the range of motion in the knee joint, as well as stretches to improve flexibility and mobility. Your physiotherapist will be able to custom-tailor a plan to suit your individual needs and help you get back to full health as quickly as possible.
Another treatment option for PCL sprains is chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, using techniques like spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise prescription to alleviate pain and improve function. For PCL sprains, chiropractic care may be beneficial in treating associated problems like muscle imbalances or joint dysfunction, which can contribute to the development of knee pain and inflammation. Your chiropractor can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you regain your mobility and function.
Although the answer to the question of whether PCL sprains go away on their own is “sometimes,” it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention if you have sustained a knee injury. Your doctor or physiotherapist can help you determine the severity of your PCL sprain and recommend the appropriate course of treatment, whether that’s rest, ice, and elevation, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or perhaps even surgery. With the right treatment and care, you can recover from your PCL sprain and get back to doing the things you love!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
