What is a Knee Meniscal Tear and Can Physiotherapy Help?

The knee is both one of the most complex joints in the body and also one that comes under substantial load with sporting activities and day-to-day life. For this reason it is susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions, including meniscal tears. In this article, we explore what a knee meniscal tear is, its symptoms and causes, and how physiotherapy can help.

What is a knee meniscal tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the meniscal tissue in the knee joint is damaged. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cushion between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone), absorbing shock and stabilising the knee joint. You have both a medial (inside knee) and lateral (outside knee) meniscus.

There are several types of meniscal injuries, varying in severity and in their ability to heal naturally. Generally, tears closer to the outer edge of the meniscus have greater potential to heal well with physiotherapy, while tears that progress inward have less potential to heal without surgical intervention — the outer rim of the meniscus has better blood flow, and therefore better healing potential, than the inner portion.

Symptoms and causes

Symptoms can include pain, swelling and stiffness in the knee, as well as a popping or clicking sound when moving the joint. In some cases the meniscus can catch within the joint, causing the knee to lock. Causes include ageing, injury and overuse. Swelling inside the joint (as opposed to around it) is often a key indicator of a meniscal tear, and can be harder to notice than external swelling.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis starts with a physical examination by your physiotherapist, including a McMurray test to assess the meniscal tissue, together with imaging such as an MRI where needed. Meniscal tears can heal well when managed with a quality, individualised physiotherapy program, which may include:

• Cycling — an excellent way to reduce swelling and encourage healing, best performed on a stationary recumbent bike without provoking symptoms
• Manual therapy — hands-on treatment to help clear swelling, encourage blood flow and release tight tissue, reducing pain and improving function
• Cryotherapy — reduces swelling and inflammation, improving pain, function and range of motion as it settles
• Taping — an effective way to unload and support the injured tissue
• Strength training — a key part of recovery, but only under the supervision of your physio to ensure the right exercises and loads
• Proprioception (balance) training — restores full function and helps limit future injury

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.

Can physiotherapy help with a knee meniscal tear?

Yes. Physiotherapy can improve range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, while also providing exercises to help prevent future injury.

Can I run after a meniscal tear?

This is a question we're asked often. The answer is generally yes, but it depends on the type and degree of the tear, whether other knee tissue was involved, and how successful your rehabilitation program has been.

Benefits of physiotherapy for meniscal tears

Reduced pain, improved mobility and flexibility, and a lower risk of reinjury — physiotherapy also helps improve overall knee stability and strength.

Knee meniscal tears are a common and often painful injury that can limit mobility. With the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, most people can reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent future knee injuries. If you've experienced a meniscal tear, book an assessment with our team to discuss the right treatment plan for you.