176. PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): Function, Injury Mechanisms, Assessment, and Rehab Priorities

Send us Fan Mail In this PT Snacks episode, Kasey breaks down the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) for PTs and students, covering what it is, how it’s injured, and how we assess and manage it clinically. We review the PCL’s role, common mechanisms of injuries, plus what combined injuries may indicate. We also hit key exam findings and tests, imaging options, grading, and broad rehab principles focused on protecting against posterior shear, progressing quad strength, and using protocols thoughtfully while testing readiness stage to stage. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:31 Support the Podcast 01:13 What the PCL Does 01:35 Anatomy and Bundles 02:49 Injury Mechanisms 04:08 Symptoms and History 05:09 Clinical Tests and Imaging 06:04 Grading and Treatment Paths 07:18 Rehab Principles and Progression 09:14 Protocol Reasoning and Homework 11:34 Wrap Up and Contact Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!