PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (LCL) INJURY IN SOCCER PLAYERS: A INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Physiotherapy intervention in lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries in soccer players is essential for recovery and safe return to sports activities. The aim of this study is to explain how physiotherapy can contribute to rehabilitation in lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries of the knee in soccer players, in addition to identifying the most commonly used exercises for this injury and the criteria adopted for a safe return to sport. This study refers to an integrative review, explored in the following databases: PubMed, Scielo and PEDro, with the inclusion of articles published between 2014 and 2024, in Portuguese and English, that discuss LCL rehabilitation. Case studies and observational studies were excluded. In general, the treatment model presented provided significant progress, where analgesia control, restoration of joint stability, gain in muscle strength, neuromotor control, balance and sensorimotor, thus favoring a faster and safer return to sport. Currently, there is a lack of studies in the scientific literature on the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of LCL injuries. This knowledge is extremely relevant for students and professionals in the field.