Performance Lab Physio
Knee Trauma (Meniscus injury)
What is it?
The meniscus is a tough, C-shaped piece of cartilage inside your knee that cushions and stabilises the joint. Each knee has two menisci — one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral). They work like shock absorbers, spreading the forces that go through your knee whenever you walk, squat, twist, or run.
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A meniscus injury can occur suddenly, often during a twisting movement or awkward landing while playing sport, but it can also develop more gradually with age and wear. People with a meniscus tear often notice pain along the side of the knee, swelling that builds over a few hours, stiffness, or difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee. Some also experience a catching, locking, or “giving way” sensation that makes the joint feel unreliable.
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Meniscus injuries vary widely: some tears can heal with the right care, while others may need surgical repair. Either way, they can be disruptive to everyday life — making it hard to kneel, squat, climb stairs, or take part in sport. The good news is that with expert assessment and a tailored treatment plan, most people return to their normal activities successfully.
What Physio Can do to Help
Physiotherapy plays a central role in both non-surgical and surgical management of meniscus injuries. At The Performance Lab, our first priority is reducing your pain and swelling and helping you regain normal knee movement. We then design a personalised rehabilitation programme that focuses on strengthening the muscles that support your knee, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. This not only protects the injured meniscus but also restores stability and confidence.
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As your knee improves, your physiotherapist will progress you onto balance work, agility drills, and functional exercises that mirror the movements you need for sport, work, or daily activities. For patients who undergo surgery, physiotherapy both before and after the operation is crucial. Pre-surgery rehab helps build muscle strength and range of motion, which has been shown to speed up recovery and improve outcomes. Post-surgery rehab ensures the meniscus repair heals properly, restores normal walking, and guides you safely back to higher-level activities.
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At The Performance Lab, we also address the psychological side of recovery. It’s normal to worry about your knee locking again, or to lack confidence in kneeling, squatting, or returning to sport. We provide clear education, reassurance, and ongoing support so that you rebuild not just strength, but also trust in your knee. With expert guidance and commitment, most people return to their chosen lifestyle stronger and more resilient than before.
Why Choose Performance Lab Physio
At The Performance Lab, we have specialist experience in knee trauma and cartilage injuries, having worked with hundreds of patients with meniscus tears in both high-level sports and orthopaedic trauma clinics. Our clinicians combine years of hands-on experience with close links to leading surgeons and sports medicine specialists, ensuring you receive the most advanced, evidence-based care available.
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We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Every meniscus injury is unique, and so are your goals — whether that’s returning to elite sport, going back to a physically demanding job, or simply being able to kneel, walk the dog, or play with your children without pain. We take time to understand your individual needs and design a rehab pathway that’s tailored to you.
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Our clinic is built around high standards of care. From state-of-the-art strength testing to progressive return-to-sport programmes, we bring the same meticulous approach trusted by professional athletes into a supportive environment for everyday patients. Choosing The Performance Lab means choosing world-class knee rehabilitation delivered locally, by experts who are passionate about helping you recover fully.
FAQ's
What are the first signs of a meniscus injury?
Common symptoms include pain at the side of the knee, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening fully. Some people feel their knee catching, locking, or giving way, especially during twisting movements.
Do I need a scan or MRI to confirm a meniscus injury?
A skilled physiotherapy assessment can often identify a meniscus tear. However, an MRI scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis, check the type and size of the tear, and help decide whether surgery is appropriate.
How can physiotherapy help my meniscus injury?
Physiotherapy helps restore normal movement, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles that support your knee. This stabilises the joint and takes pressure off the meniscus. Rehab also retrains balance, coordination, and functional movement so you can return safely to sport or daily life. If surgery is required, physiotherapy both before and after the operation is essential for the best recovery.
Will I need surgery?
Not always. Many meniscus injuries heal or become manageable with physiotherapy and lifestyle changes alone. Surgery may be recommended if the tear is large, if your knee is locking, or if symptoms persist despite a thorough rehab programme.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery depends on the type of tear and whether surgery is needed. With physiotherapy alone, many people see improvements within a few weeks, though full recovery may take several months. After meniscus surgery, return to normal daily activities can take 6–12 weeks, while return to sport may take 3–6 months, depending on the repair.
Will I have to stop being active?
Usually not. In fact, staying active is important for recovery. We’ll guide you on safe activities and gradually build your strength and confidence so you can return to the movements and sports you enjoy.
Why choose The Performance Lab for meniscus rehab?
Our team includes knee trauma specialists with extensive experience treating meniscus injuries in expert clinics and at the highest levels of sport. We provide tailored rehab programmes, access to the latest evidence-based methods, and the same standard of care trusted by professional athletes — all delivered in a supportive environment designed to help you succeed.