Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is the cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee. Tears are common in both sport (twisting injuries) and everyday life, particularly with age-related changes. Many meniscus tears respond well to physiotherapy, and even those requiring surgery rely on rehabilitation for a full recovery.
Understanding the Injury
Each knee has two menisci that act as shock absorbers between the thigh and shin bones. Tears vary in type and location, which influences whether they heal with conservative care or need surgical management.
Common Types
- Traumatic tears: From twisting on a planted foot, often in sport
- Degenerative tears: Gradual wear, more common with age
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain along the joint line of the knee
- Swelling that develops over hours to days
- Catching, clicking, or locking of the knee
- A sensation of the knee “giving way”
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
Causes and Risk Factors
- Twisting or pivoting movements
- Deep squatting or kneeling
- Sport involving cutting and change of direction
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
- Associated ligament injuries (e.g. ACL)
Assessment
- History and mechanism: How symptoms began
- Clinical tests: Joint line tenderness and specific meniscal tests
- Functional testing: Squatting, walking, and movement patterns
- Imaging referral: MRI when needed to guide management
Physiotherapy Treatment
Conservative Management
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Restoring range of motion
- Progressive quadriceps, hamstring, and hip strengthening
- Balance and neuromuscular control
- Gradual return to activity and sport
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Protecting the repair within surgical guidelines
- Restoring movement and strength in stages
- Functional and sport-specific progression
- Return-to-sport testing
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgery may be recommended for locked knees, large unstable tears, or when conservative treatment hasn’t restored function. We work closely with orthopaedic specialists to guide the best pathway for you.
Expected Outcomes
Most people achieve a strong, stable knee and return to their desired activities. The right rehabilitation — whether conservative or post-surgical — is what determines long-term knee health.
