Meniscus Tear

Torn Meniscus? Physiotherapy May Be All You Need

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries we see at our Neutral Bay physiotherapy clinic. Whether you’re a weekend athlete or experiencing knee pain due to ageing, a torn meniscus doesn’t always mean surgery. In many cases, physiotherapy is just as effective – and often the first line of treatment.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilises your knee joint. It can be torn during:

  • Twisting or pivoting motions (e.g., sport)
  • Deep squats or kneeling
  • Age-related degeneration

Young athletes often tear the meniscus through trauma, while older adults may experience degenerative meniscus tears due to ageing.

Not at all. In fact, physiotherapy for meniscus tears in Neutral Bay is often the first and most effective approach.

🩺 Physio-led rehab: Focused on strength, control, and function.

🛠️ Surgery (e.g., meniscectomy or meniscus repair): Usually only for specific cases.

    🗓️ 4–6 weeks: Initial healing post-op

    🔄 8–12 weeks: Functional return to daily activities

    🏃 3–6 months: Return to full sport or physical demands

    What does the Research Say?

    • A 2023 study (van der Graaff et al.) showed that physiotherapy combined with optional delayed surgery is as effective as early surgery for traumatic tears without mechanical locking.
    • ESSKA guidelines recommend surgery only for specific cases, like bucket-handle tears or true locking.
    • In degenerative tears, surgery rarely outperforms physiotherapy.

    When Is Meniscus Surgery Necessary?

    Surgery may be considered when:

    • The tear causes mechanical locking or catching
    • There’s no improvement after a structured physiotherapy program
    • The tear is complex, in a vascular zone, or repairable in younger patients
    • The damage is too severe for rehab alone

    For most people, physiotherapy is the safer, smarter starting point.

    What to Expect from Physio for Meniscus Tears

    At L&C Quality Healthcare in Neutral Bay, we take a holistic, movement-based approach to help you avoid surgery and restore knee health.

    Your rehab plan may include:

    • Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
    • Knee control and proprioception retraining
    • Manual therapy and swelling management
    • Activity modification advice
    • Return-to-sport or work progression

    “Great physio, go out and beyond to help with pain/physical condition.”
    – Marittes.L

    Book Online Call 02 8913 4104

    Start Your Meniscus Rehab Today

    If you’ve been diagnosed with a meniscus tear – or just have knee pain – we’re here to help. Our team offers trusted, evidence-based meniscus tear physiotherapy in Neutral Bay, helping you move confidently and recover with fewer risks.

    👉 Book your physio appointment today
    👉 No referral needed

    “Thoroughly recommend. Excellent service with comprehensive assessment and follow up. Albert made me feel confident with progress and presented me with information and options clearly. I’d rate this service more if I could.”
    – Josh. R