Recovering from a Meniscus Tear? Your Guide to Physical Therapy

 Our knees work hard every time our lower bodies are active, allowing for a range of motion when upright, and helping to cushion impact as we move. As the largest joint we have, it’s also the most likely to be injured; damage to this complex system of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage can make life difficult.

Your meniscus plays an essential role in keeping your knees functioning properly, and a tear in this area can lead to pain and a lot of time off your feet. If you’ve damaged your meniscus and need help in recovery, physical therapy is vital, and we’re here to take you through the process and get your knees up and running again.

Dr. Joseph Daniels and his staff at Southwest Orthopedic Associates assist Fort Worth, Texas, residents with many musculoskeletal needs, including recovery from knee injuries like meniscus tears.

Types of meniscus tears

Your meniscus, the cartilage that has a C-shape and provides stability and cushion for your knees, has several types of tears that can affect it:

• Radial: the most common injury, occurring in a section without a blood supply, that many need surgery

• Longitudinal: runs lengthwise on the meniscus and may heal on its own

• Horizontal: a sign of degenerative change in the cartilage, more common in people over 40

• Flap: a displaced tear with a partial attachment, possible in a vertical or horizontal tear

• Bucket handle: a vertical, longitudinal tear that typically blocks movement

• Complex: a combination of radial and vertical tear patterns

• Ramp lesion: a tear in the middle section of the meniscus that also often happens with an ACL tear

Common reasons and signs

This injury results from sudden motions where the knee twists while the foot remains firmly on the ground. It happens often during sports (such as getting hit or tackled), but degenerative wear-and-tear can also damage it over time, regardless of activity. This can lead to further accelerated wear-and-tear on the overall joint, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Signs you’ve torn this part of your knee include swelling, stiffness, pain, a feeling of instability in the joint, and problems fully bending or straightening your knees.

Physical therapy and recovery

Some meniscal tears require surgery, but many can be managed with a physical therapy regimen to restore a full range of motion, stability, and function. Types of exercises in the therapy include:

Range of motion exercises

To improve the range of motion and the ability to bend knees fully (flexion), heel slides and prone hang exercises help a great deal. 

Quadricep regimen

To strengthen the knee and support the kneecap, quad sets and short arc exercises are important.

Straight leg raises

To improve hip strength and align your knee, these exercises help alleviate stress on your meniscus.

Balance regimen

Meniscal damage affects balance and the ability of your body to know where it is in space (proprioception), and single-leg stances, working with a BAPS board, and a BOSU ball help to improve both.

Neuromuscular training

When the regimen has progressed far enough, this set of exercises helps to improve strength to start running, jumping, and performing other intense activities.

A meniscus tear can seem debilitating, but it can be treated, and we’re here to help. Make an appointment with Dr. Daniels and Southwest Orthopedic Associates today to start your recovery journey.