What Is an MCL Injury?
An MCL injury affects the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of your knee. This ligament provides stability and resists forces that would push your knee inward. Itâs often damaged by twisting the knee or direct blowsâespecially in sports or falls.
Injuries can range from:
- Grade I (mild sprain): Minimal stretching or micro-tears.
- Grade II (partial tear): Moderate tearing with noticeable laxity.
- Grade III (complete tear): The ligament is fully ruptured and cannot stabilise the kneeâs inner side.
Commonly, patients report medial collateral ligament pain, swelling, knee pain, and difficulty walking after impact or overuse. This is a common knee soft tissue injury seen in football, rugby, and skiing.
What Can MCL Injury Treatment Help With?
Our personalised medial collateral ligament (MCL) treatment plans are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and support long-term knee joint stability. We help patients recover from a wide range of symptoms and complications related to MCL injuries, including:

Mild to severe MCL sprains and tears
Whether it's a Grade 1 overstretching or a complete Grade 3 ligament rupture, we deliver tailored care using non-surgical and surgical pathways suited to the injuryâs complexity.

Knee instability during daily movements or sports
When the MCL is compromised, the knee may feel unstable or give wayâespecially during pivoting, walking on uneven surfaces, or changing direction. Our treatment focuses on restoring structural integrity and confidence in movement.

Swelling, stiffness, and pain along the inner side of the knee
These are hallmark signs of MCL damage. Patients often describe difficulty bending the knee, walking comfortably, or kneeling. We work to reduce inflammation and restore mobility quickly.

Tenderness and reduced range of motion
Pain when touching the inside of the knee and restricted movement can interfere with everyday tasks. Early intervention helps prevent stiffness and long-term dysfunction.

Recurring MCL injuries due to incomplete healing
If a past injury wasnât treated fully, it may lead to chronic knee problems or reinjury. We assess residual instability and design rehabilitation programmes that strengthen the MCL and surrounding muscles.

Surgical and non-surgical care support
Whether you are preparing for MCL reconstruction surgery or recovering from it, our clinic offers full prehabilitation and post-op support for a smooth, complete recovery.
Every treatment programme is customised based on multiple factors: the grade of injury (Grade 1 microtears, Grade 2 partial tears, or complete Grade 3 ruptures), your physical activity levels, biomechanical assessments, and injury history. We also support complex cases involving combined ligament injuries or concurrent meniscus damage.
How Does MCL Injury Treatment Work?
Treatment depends on the severity and impact of the injury:

Non-Surgical Rehabilitation (Grade I-II)
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) protocol.
- Supportive bracing to reduce load on the MCL knee.
- Progressive physiotherapy to restore function.
- Manual therapy for joint mobilisation and pain relief.
- Recovering from an MCL tear typically begins here.

Surgical Care (Grade III or Complex Tears)
- MCL ligament reconstruction for ruptured or chronic tears.
- Advanced arthroscopic or open surgical procedures.
- Stabilisation of associated structures (ACL, meniscus if affected).

Recovery & Strengthening
- Targeted medial ligament knee rehabilitation.
- Strength training for quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Functional drills and sport-specific reconditioning.
- Neuromuscular training to reduce reinjury risk.
We address injuries to the knee such as isolated medial collateral ligament injuries, or those combined with lateral collateral ligament (LCL injury) or posteromedial corner of the knee involvement.
MCL Injury Treatment Overview
We provide a step-by-step experience:

Initial Assessment
Gait analysis, imaging (MRI, possibly X-ray of your knee), and physical testing.

Diagnosis
Classify your medial collateral ligament injury and create a roadmap.

Treatment Delivery
Clinic-based therapy, remote support, and progress monitoring.

Return to Activity
Structured plans to resume daily or athletic activities safely.
During an injury, the medial collateral ligament (MCL)âa strong, supportive band along the inner kneeâcan become stretched or torn, depending on how much force is involved. Knowing how severe the injury is helps determine if itâs a standalone issue or part of a more complex knee condition.
Why Choose Us for MCL Tear Treatment in London?
We are a trusted name for MCL injury care due to:

Orthopaedic Precision
Our specialists are experienced in treating MCL knee trauma and long-term instability.

Custom Recovery Paths
From conservative management to complex surgical interventions, we build unique plans based on your goals.

Integrated Expertise
Our team includes physiotherapists, sports scientists, and orthopaedic surgeons working together for seamless care.

Outcome-Focused Approach
We use validated metrics to track pain, function, and progression. Youâll see measurable improvement with each phase.
We help patients recover from an MCL injury using methods aligned with current treatment concepts, even for cases involving the medial part of the knee or structures of the knee affected by complete MCL tears or rupture of the ligament.
Transparent MCL Treatment Pricing
We provide straightforward pricing:
- Assessment Session: Imaging review, diagnostic consult.
- Non-Surgical Care Plan: Weekly rehab sessions with milestone tracking.
- âSurgical Consultation: Pre- and post-operative support with structured recovery.
About the Institute of Medical Physics
Based in Kingâs Cross, London, the Institute of Medical Physics is a specialist clinic focused on advanced diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. We provide expert care for knee conditions like MCL sprains and tears, combining science-led rehabilitation with surgical precision when needed.
Our team of orthopaedic consultants, physiotherapists, and movement specialists work together to design personalised recovery plans for each patient. Using state-of-the-art diagnostics and hands-on clinical expertise, we aim to restore strength, reduce pain, and improve long-term joint stability.
Whether you're recovering from a sports injury or dealing with chronic knee issues, we deliver care that supports your return to safe, confident movement.
Discover StoryFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Iâve torn my MCL?
If you have pain on the inside of the knee after twisting or impact, especially during side-to-side movement, you may have a medial collateral ligament injury. Symptoms of an MCL tear may also include pain and swelling or the sense that your knee is loose.
Can MCL tears heal without surgery?
Yes, most MCL sprain and partial tears recover with rest and therapy. Full tears may need reconstruction.
How long is the recovery time?
Grade I sprains: 1â3 weeks, Grade II: 4â6 weeks, Grade III tears: 2â3 months post-surgery. Recovery time depends on the grades of MCL damage.
Whatâs the difference between MCL and ACL injuries?
MCL stabilises the inner knee; ACL prevents forward tibial movement. We treat combined injuries as well.
Is MCL injury common in sports?
Yes, particularly in contact sports. It often results from a blow to the outside of the knee or sudden knee rotation.
Laser Tattoo Removal Research Papers