PRP and Stem Cell Injections for MCL Sprain & Tear offered in Estero, Florida.
Are you experiencing pain on the inside of your knee after a sports injury or awkward twist?
You may have injured your medial collateral ligament (MCL)—one of the most important stabilizing structures of the knee.
The MCL runs along the inside of the joint and helps prevent the knee from bending inward. When it becomes sprained or torn, even simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or turning quickly can become painful and unstable.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we specialize in advanced regenerative and non-surgical treatments that support ligament healing, restore knee stability, and help patients return to the activities they love—without unnecessary surgery.
Common Symptoms of MCL Sprain & Tear
- Pain along the inside of the knee
- Tenderness or swelling on the inner knee
- Knee stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Instability or the feeling that the knee may “give out”
- Pain during pivoting, side-to-side movements, or walking on uneven ground
Causes of MCL Sprains & Tears
MCL injuries most often occur from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, which pushes the joint inward and overstretches the ligament. This is especially common in contact sports like football and soccer. However, MCL sprains can also result from awkward twisting motions, sudden changes of direction while running, or skiing accidents where the knee is forced inward. In some cases, repetitive stress or degeneration of the ligament can weaken it over time. Depending on the severity, the MCL may be mildly stretched (Grade I sprain), partially torn (Grade II), or completely torn (Grade III), each requiring a different level of treatment and rehabilitation.
Accurate Diagnosis is Key
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we use a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the extent of tendon tearing/ injury, inflammation, and biomechanical dysfunction. This includes:
- Physical exam with stress testing of the MCL for laxity and pain response
- In-office musculoskeletal ultrasound to directly evaluate the MCL fibers
- MRI imaging (if needed) to confirm the severity of the sprain or tear and check for associated injuries (meniscus or ACL involvement)
This allows us to tailor a comprehensive regenerative treatment plan specific to your injury and functional goals.
Contrary to popular opinion not all MCL tears and sprains need to be treated surgically. Many patients can be effectively treated non-surgically with regenerative injections.
Are You A Candidate for Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment?
Regenerative Treatment Options
We specialize in non-surgical regenerative orthopedic solutions designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore joint health.
- Prolotherapy – Prolotherapy uses targeted injections of dextrose to stimulate healing. When administered at the right concentration, the solution triggers a mild, temporary inflammatory response activating fibroblasts—specialized cells that produce collagen—to strengthen and thicken the surrounding ligaments and tendons, ultimately improving knee stability and support.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – PRP contains growth factors that accelerate tissue repair. PRP injections can reduce inflammation, improve collagen remodeling, and promote long-term healing of the joint. For more mild laxity up to Grade 1 sprains PRP can be effective to improve the strength of the tendon.
- Stem Cell Therapy – We utilize Bone Marrow Stem Cells to support tissue regeneration and repair, particularly for more severe knee arthritis. Through the release of growth factors, stem cells regulate the local immune response, decrease inflammation and stimulate tissue growth. For Grade 2 strains Stem Cells are generally going to be recommended for more effective tissue regeneration.
- For Grade 3 sprains where the tendon has completely ruptured and retracted regenerative injections, in general, are not going to be effective and will most likely require surgical correction.
Do You Want to Resolve Knee Pain& Restore Function?
Complementary Treatments
In addition to regenerative injections, we incorporate evidence-based complementary therapies to enhance recovery and long-term shoulder function:
1-on-1 Physical Therapy
Work directly with a licensed physical therapist to strengthen and re-educate the muscles of the knee, hip and ankles to increase stability. This neuromuscular reprogramming helps restore movement patterns and reduce reinjury risk.
Nutritional Therapy & Supplements
Proper nutrition supports the healing of connective tissue. We offer personalized supplement protocols and dietary guidance to optimize collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve overall recovery.
Giga Laser Therapy
Our Giga Laser, one of the most powerful therapeutic lasers in the world, delivers high-dose red and infrared light therapy over large areas. This boosts mitochondrial activity and promotes rapid tissue healing and collagen formation.
Why Choose Integrative Rehab Medicine?
- Minimally invasive treatments backed by clinical science
- Comprehensive evaluation determining the root cause of your pain
- Personalized regenerative treatment plans specific to your injury and functional goals
- Avoid surgery and reduce downtime – many patients are back to activity 3-4 weeks after treatment
Expert clinicians with extensive experience in regenerative and rehabilitative medicine
Get Back to an Active Life
An MCL injury doesn’t have to keep you sidelined or lead to invasive surgery. With regenerative therapies, many patients regain knee strength, stability, and function naturally.
Schedule a consultation today with Integrative Rehab Medicine to explore your non-surgical treatment options for MCL sprains and tears.
Schedule Your Consult with an Estero Knee Pain Specialist
References
Centeno, Christopher, et al. “Image Guided Injection of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears with Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelets: Midterm Analysis from A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Biologic Orthopedics Journal 3.SP2 (2021): e7-e20.
Hernigou P, Auregan JC, Dubory A, Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, Chevallier N, Rouard H. Subchondral stem cell therapy versus contralateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis following secondary osteonecrosis of the knee. Int Orthop. 2018 Nov;42(11):2563-2571. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-3916-9. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29589086.
Kim JD, Lee GW, Jung GH, Kim CK, Kim T, Park JH, Cha SS, You YB. Clinical outcome of autologous bone marrow aspirates concentrate (BMAC) injection in degenerative arthritis of the knee. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014 Dec;24(8):1505-11. doi: 10.1007/s00590-013-1393-9. Epub 2014 Jan 8. PMID: 24398701.
Pabinger, C., Lothaller, H. & Kobinia, G.S. Intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (mesenchymal stem cells) in KL grade III and IV knee osteoarthritis: 4 year results of 37 knees. Sci Rep 14, 2665 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51410-2
Tavassoli M, Janmohammadi N, Hosseini A, Khafri S, Esmaeilnejad-Ganji SM. Single- and double-dose of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. World J Orthop. 2019 Sep 18;10(9):310-326. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v10.i9.310. PMID: 31572668; PMCID: PMC6766465.
Wijn, S. R. W., Rovers, M. M., van Tienen, T. G., & Hannink, G. (2020). Intra-articular corticosteroid injections increase the risk of requiring knee arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal, 102-B(5), 586–592. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.102b5.bjj-2019-1376.r1