Meniscus & Cartilage Injuries: Physiotherapy Assessment, Rehabilitation & Return to Activity
Meniscus and cartilage injuries are common causes of knee pain, swelling and mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking. These injuries can occur suddenly during sport or develop gradually with repeated loading. At Fit2Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy to help you understand your diagnosis, determine whether surgery is necessary, and guide you through structured rehabilitation to protect your knee long term.
This page explains what meniscus and cartilage injuries are, what to do early, when scans are helpful, and how modern rehabilitation works for both non-surgical and surgical pathways.
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What are meniscus and cartilage injuries?
Meniscus injuries
The menisci are two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). They act as shock absorbers, improve joint stability and help distribute load through the knee.
Meniscus tears commonly occur with:
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Twisting or pivoting on a bent knee
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Sudden change of direction
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Deep squatting or lifting
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Degenerative changes over time
Tears may be traumatic (often in younger athletes) or degenerative (more common with age and repetitive loading).
Articular cartilage injuries
Articular cartilage lines the ends of the bones in the knee, allowing smooth, pain-free movement. Damage may occur from:
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Acute injury or impact
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Repeated overload
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Previous knee injury or surgery
Cartilage injuries vary widely in size and severity, which is why individualised assessment is essential.
Common symptoms
Meniscus and cartilage injuries can present differently depending on the type and severity of injury. Symptoms may include:
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Knee pain (often with twisting, squatting or stairs)
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Swelling or recurrent effusion
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Catching, clicking or locking sensations
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Feeling of instability or giving way
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Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
Not all mechanical symptoms require surgery β many improve with the right rehabilitation approach.
What happens in the early stages?
Early management aims to settle symptoms while maintaining knee movement and strength.
Our early physiotherapy focus includes:
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Managing swelling and pain with appropriate load modification
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Restoring full knee extension
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Gradually improving knee flexion
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Maintaining quadriceps and hip strength
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Normalising walking pattern
Complete rest is rarely helpful. Early, guided movement helps reduce stiffness and supports recovery.
When urgent referral is needed
We will recommend medical or orthopaedic review if there is:
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True knee locking (unable to fully straighten or bend)
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Rapid or severe swelling after injury
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Suspicion of fracture or associated ligament injury (such as ACL)
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Worsening symptoms despite appropriate rehab
Do I need a scan?
Meniscus and cartilage injuries are often suspected based on your history and physical examination. Imaging may be useful when symptoms persist or if surgical decision-making is required.
MRI scans
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MRI is the preferred scan to assess meniscal and cartilage injuries
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It helps identify tear type, size and associated injuries
X-rays
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X-rays do not show meniscus or cartilage directly
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They may be used to assess bone alignment or rule out arthritis or fracture
Scans are most helpful when the results will influence your treatment plan.
Do meniscus tears always need surgery?
No. Most meniscus tears do not automatically require surgery.
Research shows that many people β including active individuals β can achieve excellent outcomes with structured physiotherapy alone, particularly when:
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There is no true locking of the knee
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Symptoms are improving with rehab
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Knee stability is good
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The tear is degenerative or stable
Surgery may be considered when there is:
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Persistent mechanical locking
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Ongoing pain and swelling despite high-quality rehab
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Associated ligament injuries affecting stability
Decisions are made collaboratively, based on symptoms, goals and response to rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy for non-surgical meniscus and cartilage injuries
Non-surgical rehabilitation focuses on restoring knee capacity and confidence.
Key rehab goals include:
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Improving quadriceps, hamstring and hip strength
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Enhancing knee control during functional tasks
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Gradual exposure to squatting, lunging, running and sport-specific movements
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Education around load management and flare-up prevention
Many people return to full activity without surgery when rehab is progressive and criteria-based.
Surgical pathways and post-operative rehabilitation
Surgical options may include meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy or cartilage procedures, depending on the injury.
Physiotherapy is critical both before and after surgery.
Post-surgical rehab focuses on:
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Reducing swelling and restoring full extension early
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Gradually regaining knee flexion
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Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular control
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Return to running, jumping and sport-specific tasks when appropriate
Rehabilitation timelines vary depending on the procedure performed, but return to sport is guided by function and strength β not just time.
Long-term knee health and prevention
Previous meniscus or cartilage injury can increase the risk of future knee pain or arthritis if not managed well. Ongoing strength training, movement quality and load management are key to protecting your knee long term.
Our physiotherapists work with you to build resilience β not just get you through the initial injury.
Book a knee assessment
If youβre experiencing knee pain, swelling, clicking or catching β or have been diagnosed with a meniscus or cartilage injury β our physiotherapists can help you understand your options and guide your recovery.
