Twin Boro Physical Therapy offers state-of-the-art rehabilitation methods and evidence-based treatment for patients with a broad range of conditions, including meniscus tears. When you work with our experts, we will provide you with a comprehensive consultation and tailored recommendations for your next steps.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy has been helping New Jersey residents improve their movements for over 40 years. We are proud to work with professionals who are motivated to remain at the forefront of rehabilitation medicine and we continually update our treatment plans to reflect new discoveries and methods.
What is a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear is a knee injury commonly seen in older adults and athletes. The meniscus is a layer of cartilage in the knee that helps the knee absorb shock, maintain stability, and maintain alignment. When this layer is torn, it is common for symptoms such as pain and swelling to be felt in the area. Those with meniscal tears may also experience symptoms such as a clicking or locking feeling in the knee, as well as weakness in the joint.
The healing process for meniscal tears largely depends on the tear’s size and severity of the injury. When you work with a physical therapist, your rehabilitation plan will likely focus on regaining strength, stability, and range of motion in the knee. This typically consists of therapeutic exercises in the clinic, at-home exercises, and additional physical therapy modalities depending on your body’s needs. While individual exercises will vary depending on your injury and body history, the goal of the exercises remains the same. By building strength and flexibility in the knee, you can prevent future degeneration of the tissues and reduce the likelihood of repeat injuries once your return to the activities you love.
Why are exercises important to heal meniscal tears?
When the knee is injured, we are often unable to use our legs for many everyday activities. This can lead to degeneration of the muscle tissues and complications once you return to your normal routine. Exercises that do not rely on pressure being put on the knee, such as exercises while you are sitting or lying down, are great choices to keep the surrounding muscles strong while allowing the knee to heal.
The two main muscle groups that are often targeted in physical therapy are the quadriceps (front of the thigh muscle) and hamstrings (back of the thigh muscle). These muscles are critical in overall leg function and support knee movements. Common exercises that will be prescribed by your doctor include:
- Straight leg front raises
- Straight leg back raises
- Hamstring curls
- Heel raises
- Heel bridges
- Shallow knee bends
The exercises prescribed will vary greatly depending on your stage of healing. You may start with light movement in the initial stages and gradually increase resistance as your knee can tolerate more weight. Your physical therapist will guide you through this process.
Let’s get started!
Twin Boro Physical Therapy is proud to offer advanced care for meniscus tears and state-of-the-art rehabilitation practices to residents across New Jersey. For residents of New Jersey interested in how our practices can help them achieve their best selves, contact our Twin Boro Physical Therapy office today. We can be reached by calling 201.862.4399 or visiting our website.
