Conditions we treat
Meniscal Tear
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is a Meniscal Tear?
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion and stabilise the knee joint. A tear can occur suddenly during a twisting movement under load (common in sport), or gradually as part of age-related wear, particularly in combination with osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain along the joint line, swelling, a catching, clicking or locking sensation in the knee, and difficulty fully straightening or bending the joint.
Treatment
Many meniscal tears, particularly smaller or degenerative tears, respond well to physiotherapy without needing surgery. Andrew’s assessment identifies the location and likely severity of the tear and builds a treatment plan around reducing swelling and pain, restoring full range of motion, and a graded strengthening programme to support the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hip muscles that help offload the joint.
If your knee is locking, giving way, or not responding to conservative treatment, Andrew will discuss whether imaging or a specialist referral is the next step.
How we treat it
Treatments used for meniscal tear
Frequently asked questions
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Many meniscal tears, particularly smaller or degenerative tears, respond well to physiotherapy without needing surgery. Andrew's treatment focuses on reducing swelling and pain, restoring full range of motion, and strengthening the muscles that support and offload the knee.
What does a meniscus tear feel like?
Common symptoms include pain along the joint line, swelling, a catching, clicking or locking sensation in the knee, and difficulty fully straightening or bending it. These can develop suddenly from a twisting injury or gradually as part of age-related wear.
Should I still exercise with a meniscus tear?
Generally yes, but the type and intensity of exercise matters — a graded, guided strengthening programme is central to recovery, while uncontrolled loading can aggravate symptoms. Andrew tailors this to your knee's specific presentation rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
How long does it take a meniscus tear to heal?
This varies considerably based on the tear's location and severity — some smaller tears improve within a few weeks of appropriate treatment, while others take longer. If your knee is locking, giving way, or not responding to conservative treatment, Andrew will discuss whether imaging or a specialist referral is the next step.
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