PCL Injury & Return to Sports in Kabaddi Players – Expert Rehab at Physio360.

Introduction:

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries, though less common than ACL injuries, can be career-threatening for professional kabaddi players due to the intense nature of the sport. Kabaddi demands frequent lunges, sudden direction changes, defensive tackles, and body contact—all of which stress the knee joint, particularly the PCL. At Physio360, our sports physiotherapy experts provide customised return-to-sport rehabilitation for PCL injuries, ensuring safe and confident re-entry into high-impact sports like kabaddi.

What is a PCL Injury?

The PCL is one of the key stabilising ligaments in the knee, preventing the shinbone from moving too far backwards. Injuries occur due to:

• Fall on a bent knee

• Hyperflexion during a tackle

• Sudden posterior-directed force on the tibia (common during kabaddi raids or defence)

  
  

Symptoms of a PCL Tear:

• Knee pain and swelling

• Feeling of instability or "giving way"

• Difficulty squatting or lunging

• Weakness during jumps or running

  
  

Physio360’s Goal-Oriented Rehab for PCL Injury:

1. Acute Phase (0–2 weeks):

✅ Swelling control with cryotherapy

✅ Bracing and protected weight-bearing

✅ Quadriceps isometrics to prevent atrophy

2. Sub-Acute Phase (2–6 weeks):

✅ Progressive range of motion exercises

✅ Patellar mobilisation

✅ Strengthening of the gluteus, hamstrings, and core

✅ Avoidance of posterior tibial translation exercises

3. Functional Strength Phase (6–12 weeks):

✅ Closed kinetic chain exercises

✅ Proprioception and balance drills

✅ Resistance training with PCL-protective angles

4. Sport-Specific Phase (3–6 months):

✅ Dynamic stability training

✅ Agility ladder drills

✅ Plyometric workouts specific to kabaddi

✅ Contact simulation and raid-tackle practice

✅ Video gait analysis and performance screening

Return to Sport Assessment at Physio360:

At Physio360, we follow a structured Return to Sports (RTS) assessment protocol tailored for kabaddi players:

• ✅ Y-Balance Test

• ✅ Single-leg hop for distance

• ✅ Landing error scoring system (LESS)

• ✅ Isokinetic muscle strength testing

• ✅ Functional Movement Screening (FMS)

• ✅ Psychological readiness evaluation

  
  

Only when the athlete meets ≥90% symmetry in strength, power, and movement quality, we approve RTS to avoid re-injury.

Why Physio360 is the Best for Kabaddi Rehab?

• Sports-specialist physiotherapists trained in kabaddi-specific biomechanics

• Evidence-based rehab protocols focused on functional strength & safety

• Real-match simulations for confident return

• Advanced manual therapy, dry needling & taping options

• Multiple centres across Chennai with state-of-the-art rehab equipment

  
  

Tips for Kabaddi Players to Prevent PCL Injuries:

• Warm up thoroughly before a match/training

• Focus on single-leg balance and core control

• Avoid deep squats during early rehab

• Don’t rush RTS without functional clearance

• Use protective gear or knee braces during initial comeback games

  
  

Back on the Mat with Confidence – Powered by Physio360!

A PCL injury doesn’t mean the end of your kabaddi journey. With a personalised rehabilitation and RTS plan at Physio360, you can bounce back stronger, faster, and safer. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur kabaddi player, our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

📞 Book your PCL rehab consultation at Physio360 – Chennai’s top-rated sports physiotherapy centre.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE .

1.Return to Play after Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injurieshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9789230/