MCL Sprain Rehabilitation Protocols
4 MCL Sprain rehabilitation protocols from 2 institutions. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford Health — Isolated MCL Sprain | FWB (Grade 1); WBAT (Grade 2); NWB 0-1 wk progressing to FWB x 4 wks (Grade 2+/3) | Avoid valgus load; brace for Grade 2-3; Grade 2+/3: avoid side-to-side activities x 3-4 wks; ROM restricted… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Grade 1 MCL Sprain… | Full WB; full ROM immediately | None listed; progress to 50% cutting when tolerating A/P shuffling without increased pain; return to sport… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Grade 2 MCL Sprain… | WBAT week 1; FWB week 2+; hinged brace locked at 30° weeks 1-2 | Brace locked at 30° weeks 1-2; ROM 0-90° week 1, 0-110° week 2, full ROM week 3+; NMES if quad MVIC < 80%; no… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Grade 3 MCL Sprain… | NWB immobilized at 30° week 1; PWB 40% with 30° flexion brace week 2; WBAT 70-100% with… | 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°… |
All 4 MCL Sprain protocols
Isolated MCL Sprain — Non-Operative
Sanford Health
Grade 1 MCL Sprain — Non-Operative
University of Delaware Physical Therapy
Grade 2 MCL Sprain — Non-Operative
University of Delaware Physical Therapy
Grade 3 MCL Sprain — Non-Operative
University of Delaware Physical Therapy