MENISCUS TEAR REHAB
Meniscus tears are commonly diagnosed and treated with physical therapy, chiropractic, and massage. The size and location of the tear will influence the likelihood of recovery. When treating these tears, our main rehabilitation goals include: restoring pain free range of motion, strengthening the muscles and connective tissue around the knee, identifying weak links at other locations in the body, and improving movement patterns that may cause excessive loading on the knee.
Restoring range of motion at the knee is crucial to restore functionality of the joint. Without adequate range of motion at the knee, activities like stairs, walking, squatting, and running may be affected. Some of the tools we utilize to improve range of motion include manual therapy (such as ART, Graston, massage, cupping), active and passive stretching, and therapeutic exercises that incorporate a wide array of movement patterns. Stiffness and pain are often reduced and eliminated as range of motion improves at the joint. By combining therapies that may reduce pain such as massage, Active Release Therapy, and Graston, we can get quicker, less painful results that ultimately result in a quicker return to your sport or activity.
Strong muscles are crucial for healthy joints. Many patients find that getting stronger is key to overcoming plateaus. Increasing muscle mass throughout the lower extremity helps minimize stress at the knee proper and may prevent certain movements that may be harmful to the joint. Muscles that fatigue and tire easily offer little protection to the joint and may allow the knee joint to buckle or twist into positions that may threaten the cartilage of the knee. Improving endurance, strength, and rate of contraction noticeably improves the capacity of the joint. When improving these functions, patients must understand that permanent strength gains may take 8-12 weeks of focused effort. Commonly, traditional physical therapy fails to increase strength to levels that carry over to patients sport or daily habits. The exercises should consistently challenge the muscles to encourage healthy adaptations that will help you return to your goal.
Another key link in overcoming your meniscus tear is to identify other weak links above or below the knee. It’s often found that meniscus tears are associated with things like stiff/restricted ankles, weak/poorly balanced hip muscles, as well as poorly conditioned core musculature. Tackling these problem areas helps eliminate unwanted stress to the injured knee by dissipating and spreading the load throughout multiple points throughout the body. Addressing the way you move in regards to patterns of squatting/bending, walking, and running, will help prevent future injuries.
Meniscus tears are often treated with conservative measures and these patients are able to avoid surgery. To be successful, be sure your treatment plan includes a multitude of therapies instead of focusing on just one treatment approach. Go beyond focusing on the injury site and insist your therapist is matching their goals with yours.
If you are experiencing valgus collapse of the knee and would like to learn more please contact us.
SEAN SPAULDING, DC, DACBSP, CSCS
Sports Chiropractor
