Posterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

What is a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Rupture?

A PCL rupture is a complete tear (Grade III injury) of the posterior cruciate ligament, one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee.

This ligament prevents the shin bone from moving backwards. When it ruptures, the knee loses stability and normal control.

Patients often describe it as: 👉 “Deep pain at the back of my knee” 👉 “Knee feels unstable or unsafe to walk” 👉 “Difficult to put weight on my leg”

If you are looking for PCL injury physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert rehabilitation to restore knee stability and function.

Causes

A PCL rupture typically occurs due to high-impact force on a bent knee.

Common causes include:

• Sports injuries (football, rugby, skiing)
• Falling onto a bent knee
• Road traffic accidents (dashboard injury)
• Sudden force pushing the shin backwards

In some cases, repeated stress can lead to a chronic rupture over time.

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

A PCL rupture causes both pain and instability:

• Deep pain at the back or inside of the knee
• Swelling around the knee
• Difficulty or inability to bear weight
• Knee feels unstable or “giving way”
• Reduced movement and stiffness
• Weakness in the leg

Patients often say: 👉 “Knee giving way when walking” 👉 “Cannot walk properly after injury” 👉 “Feels unstable especially on stairs”

What Should I Do?

• Seek physiotherapy assessment immediately
• Rest and avoid weight-bearing if painful
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Use support (brace or crutches if needed)
• Get imaging (MRI) if advised

Early treatment prevents long-term instability and complications.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Continue sports or high-impact activity
• Ignore instability symptoms
• Delay diagnosis or treatment
• Force movement through pain
• Self-manage without guidance

Untreated PCL ruptures can lead to long-term damage and early arthritis.

Physiotherapy Treatment for PCL Rupture

At ACE Physio Sports, rehabilitation is tailored based on whether surgery is required.

1. Detailed Assessment

• Confirm ligament involvement
• Assess knee stability and function
• Identify associated injuries (ACL, PLC)

2. Pain & Swelling Management

• Ice therapy and compression
• Electrotherapy (TENS, ultrasound)
• Gentle movement exercises

3. Mobility Restoration

• Range of motion exercises
• Prevent stiffness
• Gradual knee movement progression

4. Strengthening Programme

• Quadriceps strengthening (key focus)
• Hamstrings and glute strengthening
• Improve joint control

5. Balance & Stability Training

• Proprioception exercises
• Improve knee stability
• Reduce re-injury risk

6. Gait & Functional Training

• Walking retraining
• Stair climbing progression
• Functional movement correction

7. Pre-Surgery Rehab (if needed)

• Reduce swelling
• Improve strength and mobility
• Prepare for surgery

8. Post-Surgery Rehab (if required)

• Structured, phased rehabilitation
• Gradual loading and strengthening
• Return-to-sport progression

Learn more about our rehabilitation approach at https://acephysiosport.com.

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

• Conservative rehab: 3–6 months
• Post-surgery rehab: up to 9–12 months

With proper physiotherapy:

✔ Pain and swelling reduce ✔ Knee stability improves ✔ Strength and control return ✔ Safe return to activity

Without treatment, patients risk:

❌ Chronic instability ❌ Reduced function ❌ Early osteoarthritis

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Expertise in ligament injury rehabilitation ✔ Structured, phase-based recovery programmes ✔ Sports-focused rehabilitation approach ✔ Personalised treatment plans ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for PCL rupture treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert care to help you recover fully and safely.

Book Appointment

Start your recovery and regain knee stability today.

👉 Book now: https://acephysiosport.com 📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 81535374