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What Is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure inside the knee that:

• Absorbs shock

• Improves joint stability

• Distributes load

• Protects joint cartilage

Each knee has two menisci:

• Medial meniscus (inner side)

• Lateral meniscus (outer side)

Meniscus tears can occur from trauma or gradual degeneration.

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Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

You may have a meniscus injury if you experience:

• Knee pain along the joint line

• Swelling

• Pain with twisting

• Clicking or catching

• Stiffness

• Difficulty fully straightening the knee

True mechanical locking (inability to fully extend) requires urgent assessment.

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Types of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus injuries are broadly classified as:

1. Traumatic Tears

• Occur during twisting or pivoting

• More common in younger athletes

• Often associated with ACL injuries

2. Degenerative Tears

• Occur gradually

• More common over age 35–40

• Often part of natural ageing

Importantly, MRI findings do not always correlate with symptoms.

Many people without knee pain have meniscus tears on imaging.

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Do All Meniscus Tears Need Surgery?

No.

High-quality research shows:

• Many degenerative meniscus tears improve with physiotherapy

• Arthroscopic surgery does not consistently outperform exercise therapy for most non-locking tears

• Structured rehabilitation often provides excellent outcomes

Surgery may be considered when:

• There is true mechanical locking

• Symptoms persist despite structured rehab

• There is a displaced or bucket-handle tear

We collaborate with Sydney-based sports physicians and orthopaedic surgeons when appropriate.

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Evidence-Based Treatment for Meniscus Injuries

Modern guidelines support:

1. Exercise Therapy (Primary Treatment)

Rehabilitation focuses on:

• Quadriceps strengthening

• Hamstring strengthening

• Hip strengthening

• Progressive functional loading

• Single-leg control

Strength restoration improves joint stability and load distribution.

2. Load Management

We modify:

• Running volume

• Twisting and pivoting load

• Gym exercises

• Sport-specific movements

Complete rest is rarely required.

3. Gradual Return to Running & Sport

Return is criteria-based and may include:

• Minimal swelling

• Adequate quad strength

• Pain-free functional movements

• Hop test performance

Time alone does not determine readiness.

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How Long Does a Meniscus Tear Take to Heal?

Recovery depends on:

• Tear type

• Symptom severity

• Swelling control

• Strength progression

Typical conservative timelines:

• 6–12 weeks for meaningful improvement

• Longer if symptoms have been persistent

Post-surgical rehab may take 3–6 months depending on procedure.

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Why Meniscus Pain Becomes Persistent

Persistent symptoms are associated with:

• Quadriceps weakness

• Early return to twisting sport

• Fear of movement

• Inadequate progressive loading

• Ongoing swelling

Structured progression reduces chronic knee pain risk.

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Meniscus Injuries in Athletes

For athletes, rehab integrates:

• Deceleration control

• Cutting mechanics

• Single-leg strength

• Agility drills

• Sport-specific progression

At Omnia Physio, we build knee resilience beyond baseline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my meniscus tear heal on its own?

Some tears become asymptomatic with rehab, even if visible on MRI.

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Is surgery better than physio?

For many non-locking tears, structured physiotherapy produces similar outcomes to surgery.

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Can I keep running?

Often yes, with load modification.

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Does a meniscus tear mean arthritis?

Not necessarily. Strength and load management play a major protective role.

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Book Meniscus Injury Physiotherapy

If you’re experiencing knee pain, clicking or swelling:

Omnia Physio – Potts Point, Sydney
Specialising in sports and performance knee rehabilitation.

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