What Is an MCL Injury?
The MCL is a key stabilising ligament on the inside of the knee. It helps resist inward (valgus) stress — such as what happens during contact, sudden cuts, or lateral force.
Injuries typically occur in:
Contact sports (e.g. rugby, AFL, soccer)
Fast-paced field sports with quick directional changes
Unstable landings or twisting movements under pressure
Pain and swelling on the inner side of the knee
Instability or “giving way” when pivoting or cutting
Tenderness during walking, jogging, or stair use
Hesitation or pain with sport-specific movements like lateral shuffles, landing, or pushing off
5 STAR REVIEWS
ATHLETES RETURNED TO SPORT
ATHLETE REHAB HOURS COMPLETED
Starting rehab early — and progressing with intention — helps:
- Stimulate proper ligament healing through progressive load
- Rebuild neuromuscular control and movement symmetry
- Speed up return to agility, sprinting, and reactive contact drills
At Pivot Ringwood, we ensure you not only recover — but also reduce the risk of compensation-related injuries like hamstring or patellar pain.
High Performance Training Throughout Your Entire Season.
Phase 1 – Recovery and Movement Foundations
Control swelling and protect the joint
Begin early range of motion work
Taping or bracing if required for Grade II–III injuries
Phase 2 – Strength Development
Targeted quad, hamstring, adductor, and glute work
Restore symmetry and build tolerance for knee loading
Incorporate balance and single-leg stability exercises
Phase 3 – Movement Reconditioning
Reinforce linear and lateral movement patterns
Progress to cutting, hopping, and deceleration under fatigue
Begin controlled contact-prep drills based on sport exposure
Phase 4 – Testing & Sport Reintegration
Video feedback to assess cutting technique and landing form
Hop testing, strength comparisons, and change-of-direction reactivity
Final return-to-sport clearance based on objective markers and sport risk profile
Contact us by phone, email, or via the contact form.
If via email, please provide any imaging or reports that you have so we can provide you with clear advice.
We will discuss where you are at in your rehab over the phone prior to attending your first appointment
Assessment of your hip flexor to determine your injury and your rehab plan.
We may refer you to additional scans or a surgical opinion at this point.
Although it is not vital to be a member to work with us, it is highly recommended for a fast rehab and to get the best bang for your buck.
🏃♂️ Rehab designed specifically for field and contact athletes
🏋️♂️ Onsite gym and turf area for strength and return-to-play drills
👟 Performance testing equipment and movement analysis
💳 Private health rebates and sports insurance available for physiotherapy consults
M. Physiotherapy
B. Health Science
Meagan is a Physiotherapist with 5+ years experience treating sport and musculoskeletal injuries.
Meagan has a keen interest in sports injuries & has experience treating a wide range of conditions. She’s passionate about educating and inspiring her patients, and guiding them through the process of achieving their goals. She aims to keep people doing what they love, and simply modify activity where possible.
Meagan has experience playing professional sport, having recently retired from Richmond FC after 4 seasons. She is a previous VFLW captain and B&F, and has a wealth of knowledge in and around high performance sport.
Sport Specific Injury Management & Prevention
Keeping Your Brain Safe With Up To Revolutionary Concussion Care
Join our Athlete Programs for success without wasted time, energy, or money. Maintain consistent effort, protect your body and brain, and build unwavering confidence in crucial moments.
Initial Consultation (45 minutes)
Subsequent Consult* (30 minutes)
*for the same injury *
*Following your consultation, your private health care fund will be swiped and the gap will be charged.
Subjective Assessment
Physical Examination & Diagnosis
Tailored Treatment
Action Plan
PER WEEK
*Your statement will be sent to you so you can claim with your private health fund or sports insurance.
Weekly 1:1 Physiotherapy Session with Individualised Rehabilitation Program ($1261 value);
Strength & Power Performance Profiling ($780 value);
Concussion Baseline Test ($274 value);
Free Gym Membership with Unlimited S&C Coaching ($2340 value);
Speed and Agility Sessions ($1620 value);
Unlimited Access To Our Recovery Systems ($1087 value); &
Master Your Mental Skills Mini-Course ($397 value).
For moderate to severe (Grade II–III) MCL injuries, we often recommend a knee brace in the early stages to support healing. Our physiotherapists will guide when to remove it and progress back to unassisted, sport-ready movement.
Yes — most MCL injuries are managed conservatively, even in contact athletes.
We focus on load-based rehab and only refer for surgery if there are multiple ligament injuries or the MCL fails to stabilise with structured rehab.
You’ll complete a return-to-sport test battery that includes:
Strength symmetry assessments
Single-leg hop testing and landing analysis
Cutting and reactive agility under pressure
This ensures you’re not just pain-free — but fully capable of handling the demands of your sport.
At the end of your initial treatment, your action plan will be discussed and a expected recovery time will be established. If you have not recovered in that time, lived up to the expectations and there have been no unforeseen events, we will continue to rehabilitate your injury without additional charge!
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