Runner with a partial PCL tear

by LaRae
(Sioux Falls, SD)

I recently was in a motorcycle accident where my knee came down on my tank as we both hit the ground from a high fall. Luckily after my MRI, my doctor told me that it was a partial PCL tear and I would heal just as well with physical therapy as I would with surgery...(in my case.)

I recently have undergone about a week and a half of pyhsical therapy and I feel very good. I have had no instability, (steps, walking and stretching are painless so far.) I do have a little bit of swelling still in my knee cap but have been icing as much as I can. I guess my question is this....will I be able to run again???

I am 28 and a casual runner. I don't do marathons or iron man competitions, but I competed in HS and College track and I LOVE to run still. I also do a some lifting...I guess I am very "active."

But my therapist, depsite my doctors opinion, has been so very negative about everything. Although I feel very good for being only 2 weeks out from the motorcycle accident. I have met with her 3 times and have impressed her each time with my improvement....but she insists I may not ever be able to run again. I have to admit it crushed my spirit last time we met.

I am a fighter though....I keep working and icing despite her negative remarks. But I would really appreciate your opinion on this. I plan on talking with my doctor soon too. Oh...another reason I would like to get better is because a dream of mine is to go into the military and pursue becoming an Officer. It was something I was planning on doing this coming fall. I know I will not be able to jump out of planes and such....but will I be able to run and do some rigorous exercise?

I cant wait to hear what you have to say.
Thank you!!!

LaRae

Comments for
Runner with a partial PCL tear

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You should do great...
by: Bart - SII

It has been my experience with the vast majority of PCL tears that I have seen that they heal well on their own - espcially partial tears. The important thing is to not take things too fast early on. The first 2-3 weeks need to be slower so that the ligament can get a good start on healing - don't push things that are painful and you should be fine.

It sounds like you are doing well. The swelling is normal and will probably continue for another few weeks intermittently. The fact that you do not have instability is very good.

Keep your head up and remember that your doctor told you that you should do well. Your therapist is probably not trying to be negative on purpose, but rather preparing you for the worst case scenario. That way when you are able to run again, you can prove her wrong. Just stick with the rehab and give it time.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions and keep us all updated on your progress!

Jul 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Get a new therapist!
by: Anonymous

I have the same injury. It happened three weeks ago from a bicycle crash at about 20 mph. Landed on my left knee. I am also a runner and love to do marathons. I have seen two sports medicine specialists who told me that with therapy, I can be back out running again after I complete the treatment (another 4-6 weeks for 8 weeks total off running).
I think you need to get a new therapist. My experience has been that if you are athletic and want to return to your sport ASAP following an injury, you need to get to a sports rehab center. The people who work at these places understand the need for people like me to be able to get back to working out as soon as possible. People who do not run do not understand why anyone would want to run and they would be happy to hear that they can never run again. You need a therapist who will give you the best chance to fully recover and get back out there.

Aug 06, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Yes, new therapist
by: Anonymous

I agree with the other poster. I dont have a PCL at all and I run. I'm not entirely sure where your therapist is coming from as I think the worst case scenario is that you might have to wear a PCL brace to run.

Mar 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Help me guys to improve the tear
by: Anonymous

I have this problem too, please give me some advices to take care of my knee.
One week ago I had an accident by a motorcycle. the person who hit me escaped. So, I need to pay all the cost by myself. :(
any suggestion would be appreciated.
please give me some particular exercise to improve my pcl tear.
thanks in advance.

send your advice to my email plz:
aks486@gmail.com

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Sports Injury Answers - Knee Ligaments