Exercises to accompany therapy for the posterior cruciate ligament
An injury to the posterior cruciate ligament leads to instability and pain. Rehabilitation focusses, among other things, on rebuilding the muscles of the affected leg. Strengthening training and other exercises help to compensate for the lack of stability so that you can walk smoothly again soon.
An important hint before starting: Please discuss the exercises with a doctor or therapist beforehand.
Post-operative exercises to accompany therapy after posterior cruciate ligament rupture
After surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament, special training can help to improve the stability of the knee joint: The aim is to train the muscles sufficiently for this.
Bending and stretching the ankle joint
Aim: Activation of the lower leg muscles
Starting position: Lie on your back on a flat surface and support yourself on your forearms with your legs stretched out.
Exercise: Bend and stretch your feet at the same time. Carry out the movement as far as possible.
3 x 15 repetitions, 30 seconds rest in between sets
Kneecap mobilization
Aim: Mobilization of the kneecap
Starting position: Sit on the floor with your legs straight and support yourself with your arms.
Exercise: Grasp the kneecap of the affected leg with one hand and move it to the left and right and up and down.
Several times a day, roughly one minute each time
Raise your leg lying down
Aim: Strengthening the thigh muscles
Starting position: Lie on your back on a flat surface. Your legs are stretched out.
Exercise: Lift the affected leg about 50 centimetres off the ground and hold the position briefly. Then slowly put your leg down again.
3 x 10 repetitions, 30 seconds rest in between sets
Raise your leg lying on your side
Aim: Strengthening the buttock and thigh muscles
Starting position: Lie on your side on a flat surface with the affected leg on top. The legs are stretched and form a straight line with the upper body.
Exercise: Tighten the toes of the upper leg and slowly lift the leg. Then put your leg down again.
3 x 15 repetitions, 30 seconds rest in between sets
Raise leg while standing
Aim: Strengthening the thigh and hip flexors
Starting position: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and put the weight on the unaffected leg.
Exercise: Lift the affected leg straight off the floor, pull up the tips of your toes and swing your leg back and forth.
3 x 15 repetitions, 30 seconds rest in between sets
Note: Make sure your upper body is straight and hold on to a table or wall if necessary.
Spread your leg sideways while standing
Aim: Strengthening the buttock and thigh muscles
Starting position: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and put the weight on the healthy leg.
Exercise: Lift the affected leg straight off the floor, pull up the tips of your toes and move the leg outwards and back again.
3 x 15 repetitions, 30 seconds rest in between sets
Note: Make sure your upper body is straight and hold on to a table or wall if necessary.
Tip: Download the flyer with all the exercises to support therapy for posterior cruciate ligament injuries now!
Exercises to accompany therapy after posterior cruciate ligament rupture – conservative treatment
Conservative treatment can achieve good functional stability without surgery in the case of a posterior cruciate ligament rupture. Only slow, passive exercises may be performed according to medical instructions and under therapeutic guidance: The right balance between movement and immobilisation (for example with an orthosis) is crucial.
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Diagnosis & treatment
How does a cruciate ligament rupture occur? Everything you need to know about causes, types and treatment options.
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