Meniscus Tear

What is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Tears occur with twisting or pivoting movements, often during sports, or gradually with degeneration.

Common Symptoms

• Knee pain, often localized to the joint line

• Swelling or stiffness

• Catching, clicking, or locking sensations

• Difficulty fully straightening the knee

Physical Therapist Diagnosis

A PT assesses knee motion, palpates the joint line for tenderness, and performs special tests like McMurray’s or Thessaly’s test. Movement evaluation and strength testing help determine compensations.

Why it Happens

Meniscus tears are common in athletes during pivoting or cutting sports, and also in older adults with degenerative changes.

Why it Doesn’t Always Heal on Its Own

The meniscus has poor blood supply, especially in the inner portion. Small outer tears may heal, but many require therapy or surgery.

Ideal Physical Therapy Treatment

Rehab focuses on reducing pain and swelling, restoring mobility, and strengthening for stability. Dry needling may be used to address muscle guarding or quad inhibition secondary to pain.

Key strategies include:

• Manual therapy and mobility work to restore motion

• Dry needling for quadriceps or hamstring tightness

• Strengthening of quads, hamstrings, and hips

• Neuromuscular training for stability and movement control

• Sport-specific progression for return to play

Expected Outcomes

Many meniscus tears, especially small or degenerative ones, respond well to physical therapy. Athletes often return to full function in weeks to months depending on the severity and type of surgery performed if it is required.