LCL sprains are common injuries that can occur due to sports, accidents, or even a sudden twist of the knee. They are often accompanied by pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability in the knee. If you have a LCL sprain, you may be wondering how long it will take to heal and what you can do to speed up the recovery process. Luckily, chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help you manage the symptoms, promote healing, and prevent further injury. In this post, we’ll address the duration of LCL sprains, the common treatment methods, and how chiropractic and physiotherapy can assist with recovery.
Before we dive into the treatment options, it’s important to understand how long a LCL sprain will typically last. Generally, the healing time for a LCL sprain depends on the severity of the injury, and can vary from a few days to several weeks. Mild sprains can heal within a week or two, while more severe injuries may require several weeks or even months of rehabilitation. Recovery time can also be affected by other factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of your injury.
The most beneficial treatments for LCL sprains include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method. Rest the affected leg or body part and avoiding all activities that may worsen the injury. Apply ice wrapped in a towel or ice pack over the affected area in 20 minute intervals. Compression with a bandage or sleeve will supply pressure to the affected area to limit swelling. Elevating the affected area above heart level will lower blood flow, thus reducing the swelling. In severe cases, a brace or crutches may be necessary to help support the knee.
Physio is another effective treatment option for individuals with LCL sprains. A physiotherapist will assess your injury, develop a personalized rehabilitation program to address your unique needs and guide you through exercises tailored to help you achieve recovery. Physiotherapy helps improve range of motion, reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, as well as speed up the recovery process. The physiotherapist’s expertise will also help prevent further knee injuries.
Chiropractic care involves the use of manual manipulations to the spine and other muscles throughout the body. In some cases, misalignments and unnatural curves throughout the body may contribute to LCL sprains. Using adjusting techniques, massage, and other forms of therapy, chiropractic care can help address these issues and promote the overall health of the body. Combined with physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment can make LCL sprain rehabilitation even more effective.
Suffice it to say LCL sprains are common knee injuries that can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal. This will all depend on the severity of the injury and other surrounding factors. While rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method can provide initial relief, physiotherapy and chiropractic care offer more comprehensive treatment with several long-term benefits for both your knee and body. These services can speed up recovery time while ensuring that your overall health is taken care of. If you have suffered a LCL injury, please know that you do not have to suffer or wait for the injury to heal on its own. By seeking the help of a qualified chiropractor or physiotherapist, you can be on your way to a healthy and speedy recovery in no time.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
