Evaluation of the Combined Effect of Physiotherapy and Kinesiotherapy in the Early Rehabilitation Process after MCL Injury
Javidan Mammadov
Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of physiotherapy procedures applied during the early rehabilitation stage after medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury – magnetotherapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy – used alone and in combination with kinesiotherapy, namely isometric exercises. The study included 20 patients diagnosed with grade I–II MCL injuries. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received only physiotherapy procedures, while the main group received the same procedures together with a kinesiotherapy program. Treatment outcomes were assessed based on changes in pain intensity according to the Visual Analogue Scale, restoration of knee joint range of motion in degrees, and the time required to return to daily activities. The findings showed that although positive clinical dynamics were observed in both groups, the main group, in which physiotherapy was combined with isometric exercises, demonstrated faster pain reduction, more complete recovery of joint function, and a shorter overall rehabilitation period. This indicates that a combined rehabilitation approach in the early stage provides better results in improving patients’ functional status, enabling a quicker return to daily activity, and increasing the overall effectiveness of treatment. This approach may therefore be considered a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical practice.
Keywords: MCL, medial collateral ligament, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy