Quick Summary
A PCL injury needs rehabilitation that protects the back of the knee while rebuilding leg strength. The plan changes if other ligaments are also injured. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding PCL Injury
The posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, helps prevent the shin moving too far backwards relative to the thigh. It may be stretched or torn after a forceful impact or fall. Some isolated injuries are managed without surgery; combined injuries may require specialist treatment.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
We review your diagnosis and any imaging, brace or orthopaedic instructions. Assessment focuses on safe movement, swelling and leg function. A high-energy injury or significant instability needs medical assessment before routine rehabilitation.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain or swelling following a blow or fall onto a bent knee.
- Discomfort with stairs, slopes or kneeling.
- A sense of instability that may be less dramatic than with an ACL injury.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle treatment may help associated stiffness or muscle discomfort while respecting the healing ligament. We avoid techniques that push the shin backwards or conflict with prescribed movement and brace limits. We explain the purpose and check your comfort and response throughout treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a routine treatment for a PCL tear. Stability and recovery are addressed through protection, a tailored rehabilitation plan and specialist care when required. Your physiotherapist can explain the more suitable options and how their effect will be reviewed during your ongoing rehabilitation.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Early exercise often emphasises controlled thigh activation and safe movement, with careful timing of hamstring loading. We follow the clinician’s protocol and gradually build strength, balance and the tasks required for work or sport. Your home plan is adapted as your function and confidence improve.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice if you cannot move the knee, bear weight, or straighten a knee that is locked.
- A hot swollen knee with fever or feeling unwell needs urgent medical assessment.
- Go to A&E for a deformed leg after injury or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb.
Your questions answered
Can a PCL injury heal without surgery?
Many isolated injuries are treated non-operatively, but this depends on severity, stability and associated damage. A specialist can explain the options for your knee.
Why is my programme different from an ACL programme?
The ligaments resist different forces. Some movements and muscle exercises stress the PCL differently, so copying another person’s rehabilitation may be inappropriate.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
ACL Injury / Tear · Knee Ligament Sprain
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.