Posterior Cruciate Ligament injury (PCL)

The posterior cruciate ligament is a small band that connects the high bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).  A PCL tear is due to a direct blow to the front of the knee (like falling on a bent knee in sports), pulling or stretching of the ligament, or a misstep.  A twisting or overextension of the knee may make it so the person can not bare full weight on the knee.  The PCL is the strongest ligament in the knee meaning that injuries are generally due to trauma or backwards bending of the knee, or a force upon the knee such as a car accident.  A PCL tear usually ranges from a partial tear to a complete tear.  

Symptoms of a PCL injury

• Pain and swelling of knee
• Knee is unsteady
• Inability to bear weight on knee

Treatment for PCL Injury 

• ASTR® Tools: Our doctors use a variety of ASTR® tools to release scar tissue and myofascial restriction, which can decrease flexibility and add more pressure to the Posterior cruciate ligament.
• Special exercise program to decrease pressure on the PCL, strengthen the muscles, stabilize the knee to help the patient to return to normal function and activities.
• Special instructions on how to speed up the recovery time.