Massage therapy has been known to reduce the recovery time and minimize scar tissue in cases of injuries. However, it is essential to get massage therapy from a licensed physical therapist or massage therapist for effective results. Massage increases the blood flow to the injured body parts by gently stimulating blood vessels and soft tissue. It also works on the pain receptors by tricking them to neglect the deeper pain. As a result, the body’s natural tissue repair and overall healing process are stimulated.
It is important to remember that an acute injury (less than 24 hours), injury with swelling, and a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury with an untreated fracture are never massaged. It is best to get rest and keep the affected area immobilized.
What is an MCL?
The medial collateral ligament or MCL is a thick band of tissue located inside the knees. It extends from the thighbone (femur) to a point on the shinbone (tibia), which is about 4-6 inch from the knee. The main functions of an MCL include:
- Prevents the leg from extending too far inward
- Helps to keep the knee stable and allows it to rotate
What are some other treatment options to treat an MCL injury?
Nonsurgical options
Some of the immediate nonsurgical treatment options of medial collateral ligament or MCL tear include:
- Resting
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Compressing the knee using an elastic bandage or brace
- Elevating the knee above the heart to help with swelling
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling
- Using crutches to keep weight off of the injured knee
Rehabilitation options
Once you recover, it is crucial to regain strength in the knee and prevent further injury. Hence, some of the rehabilitation treatments include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve the knee’s range of motion
- Wearing a protective knee brace during a physical activity
- Restricting activities that can cause further injury, such as contact sports
Surgical options
MCL injury heals on its own and does not require surgery in most cases. Surgery becomes necessary:
- When the damage is severe and cannot repair naturally.
- When there is an injury to other ligaments.
The physician may use arthroscopy or knee-hole surgery to repair an MCL injury.
Other options
Apart from massage therapy, low-intensity ultrasound therapy has shown promising results to treat MCL injuries according to a study.
Besides, psychological treatment, such as talk therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), is an option for those who are frustrated or depressed about their MCL injury.
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Avruskin A. Physical Therapy Guide to Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury. American Physical Therapy Association. 2013. https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-medial-collateral-ligament-mcl-injury
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
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