Non-Operative — Grade 3 MCL Sprain (Non-Operative)

University of Delaware Physical Therapy · UDPT Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

NWB immobilized at 30° week 1; PWB 40% with 30° flexion brace week 2; WBAT 70-100% with 30° brace week 3; FWB week 4+

Key Restrictions

NWB with knee immobilized at 30° week 1; 30° flexion brace weeks 2-3; ROM 0-70° week 1, 0-90° week 2, 0-110° week 3, full ROM week 4+; possible secondary: MCL reconstruction; return to sport: agility at 100%, unilateral hopping, strength > 90% (week 6+)

Timeline & Phases

Week 1 (NWB, immobilized at 30°, ROM 0-70°), Week 2 (PWB 40%, brace 30°, ROM 0-90°), Week 3 (WBAT, brace 30°, ROM 0-110°), Week 4 (FWB, full ROM, agility 50%), Week 5 (agility 75%), Week 6 (agility 100%, return to sport); 10-14 visits total

Notes

University of Delaware PT Clinic; non-operative; isolated Grade 3 MCL sprain (no ACL/PCL/meniscus); most restrictive of the three MCL grades; NMES for quad activation week 1; wall squats with feet internally rotated to decrease MCL stress; secondary MCL reconstruction possible; return to sport functional test: agility at 100%, unilateral hopping, strength > 90%

Surgeon / Author

UDPT Clinical Team