Common Ski and snowboard Knee Injuries | Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Common Knee Injuries We Treat at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Skiing and snowboarding are what bring us to Hakuba—but they can also be tough on your knees. High speeds, variable snow conditions, fixed bindings, jumps, and unexpected falls all increase the risk of knee injury on the mountain.
At Peak Sports Physio Hakuba, knee injuries are one of the most common conditions we treat during the winter season. Whether you’ve had a big crash or developed gradual knee pain from long days on snow, our experienced physiotherapy team is here to help you recover and return to skiing or snowboarding with confidence.
Below is a guide to the most common knee injuries we see in Hakuba, how they happen, what symptoms to look out for, and how we treat them.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
How ACL injuries happen while skiing
ACL injuries are more common in skiers than snowboarders and often occur during:
Sudden twisting or direction changes
Falls where the ski fails to release
Awkward landings from jumps
Common ACL injury symptoms
A popping sensation or sound at the time of injury
Rapid swelling (not always immediate)
Pain and knee instability
Feeling like the knee may “give way”
ACL injury treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Early pain and swelling management
Prescription of crutches and knee braces to improve comfort and mobility
Referral for imaging and orthopaedic review when appropriate
Early rehabilitation to restore movement, strength, and control
For a full breakdown of ACL injuries and treatment options, see our dedicated ACL blog post.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
How PCL injuries happen
PCL injuries usually occur from:
Falling forward onto a bent knee
A direct blow to the shin
Heavy landings or high-impact crashes
Common PCL injury symptoms
Pain at the back of the knee
Swelling and stiffness
Difficulty squatting or walking downhill
PCL injury treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Pain and swelling management
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee
Gradual return to skiing with taping or bracing if required
Referral for scans or specialist review when necessary
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
How MCL injuries happen while skiing
MCL injuries are very common in skiing and usually occur when:
The knee is forced inward
A ski edge catches suddenly
The knee twists during a fall
Common MCL injury symptoms
Pain along the inside of the knee
Local swelling and tenderness
Pain when edging skis
MCL injury treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Imaging and hinged knee bracing for moderate to severe injuries (most do not require surgery)
Hands-on physiotherapy treatment
Strength and stability exercises
Gradual return to skiing with taping or bracing
Posterolateral Corner (PLC) Knee Injury
How PLC injuries happen
These injuries are less common but often more serious and usually occur during:
High-speed crashes
Hyperextension injuries
Combined twisting forces
Common PLC injury symptoms
Pain at the back and outside of the knee
Instability, especially during turning on slopes
PLC injury treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Thorough assessment and referral when required
Protective bracing to optimise healing
Swelling management and hands-on treatment
Structured, progressive rehabilitation programs
Meniscus Injury
How meniscus injuries happen
Meniscus injuries often occur from:
Twisting on a bent knee
Sudden changes of direction
Deep squatting or awkward landings
Common meniscus injury symptoms
Pain along the knee joint line
Swelling or stiffness
Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
Meniscus injury treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Pain and swelling management
Referral for imaging and specialist opinion when needed
Hands-on techniques to restore range of motion
Ski-specific rehabilitation exercises
Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
How patella dislocations happen
Patella dislocations usually occur when:
The knee twists suddenly
The knee collapses inward during a fall
Jump landings are off-balance
Common patella dislocation symptoms
Sudden, severe knee pain
Visible movement of the kneecap
Swelling and difficulty straightening the knee
Patella dislocation treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Immediate swelling and pain control
Restoration of safe knee movement
Progressive rehab to strengthen surrounding muscles
Confidence-building return-to-snow preparation
Patellofemoral Pain (Kneecap Pain)
How patellofemoral pain develops
This type of knee pain commonly builds up over time due to:
Long consecutive days on snow
Muscle imbalances
Sudden increases in skiing or snowboarding volume
Common patellofemoral pain symptoms
Dull ache around or behind the kneecap
Pain with stairs, squats, or skating motions
Discomfort during or after skiing
Patellofemoral pain treatment at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba
Identifying movement or load-related causes
Strengthening key hip and knee muscles
Hands-on treatment and taping
Advice on technique, workload, and recovery
Knee Pain or Injury in Hakuba?
If you’re dealing with knee pain or have suffered a ski or snowboard injury in Hakuba, early assessment and treatment can make a huge difference to your recovery.
📍 Peak Sports Physio Hakuba specialises in ski-specific injury management and rehabilitation, helping you get back on snow safely and confidently.
Book an appointment or drop into the clinic to get your knee checked.
