Meniscus Tears Explained: Symptoms, Treatment & Physiotherapy Rehab Guide
Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries we see in physiotherapy. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone navigating joint changes with age, meniscus injuries can impact your ability to move confidently and comfortably. The good news? With the right support and exercise rehabilitation, we can get you back to doing the things you love!
Continue reading to learn more.
What Is the Meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) in each knee.
Each knee has two menisci:
The medial meniscus (inside of the knee)
The lateral meniscus (outside of the knee)
These structures act as shock absorbers, help distribute weight, and stabilise the joint.
Types of Meniscus Tears
Tears vary in shape and location, and each presents differently depending on the cause and severity.
Longitudinal Tear – runs along the outer rim; common in athletes
Radial Tear – starts at the inner edge and radiates outward
Horizontal Tear – splits the meniscus in half across the horizontal plane
Bucket-Handle Tear – a displaced longitudinal tear causing joint locking
Flap Tear – irregular, jagged edge that can catch in the joint
How Do Meniscus Tears Occur?
Acute Injuries
These typically occur in younger individuals or athletes during:
Twisting or pivoting on a bent knee
Sudden stops or changes in direction
Deep squatting or awkward landings
You might hear a "pop" and experience swelling, pain, or difficulty fully straightening the knee.
Age-Related Meniscus Tears
These types of meniscus tears are more commonly seen in people over 40 and are often linked with natural changes in joint health over time.
As we age, the cartilage in the knee can become less flexible, making it more sensitive to everyday movements like kneeling, rising from a chair, or squatting.
These tears may also appear alongside early signs of joint stiffness or osteoarthritis. With the right care—including targeted physio and exercise—most people can restore strength, improve knee function, and return to doing what they love with confidence.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Do you experience any clicking, locking, catching or giving way in your knee?
Localised pain on the inside or outside of the knee
Swelling
Locking or catching sensation
Clicking or popping
Feeling like the knee may give way
Difficulty bending or straightening the leg
Diagnosis and Physiotherapy Management
If you’ve injured your knee, it’s important to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible—especially if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or restricted movement. These are signs something isn’t right.
At your appointment, our physiotherapist will take a detailed history, assess how your knee moves, and check for signs of a meniscus tear and other injuries including ligament damage. Treatment will depend on the type of tear, your age, activity level, and overall goals.
For minor tears, where movement is mostly preserved and there's no locking or giving way, rehab often includes hands-on therapy, joint mobilisation, and a targeted exercise program to restore strength and function.
If we suspect a more significant tear—especially if your knee locks, gives way, or has major restrictions—we may refer for imaging or to an orthopaedic surgeon.
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Treatment options include hands-on therapy and targeted exercise rehab to your activities/sport/goals.
✅ Manage pain and swelling
✅ Restore range of motion
✅ Improve strength in key muscles like quads, glutes, and hamstrings
✅ Improve balance and knee stability
✅ Return safely to sport or work
The sooner you begin treatment, the better your outcome. Whether your goal is getting back to gardening, gym workouts, or sport—we’re here to help you recover stronger than before.
The Power of Targeted Exercise Rehab
Exercise rehab is the cornerstone of recovery—regardless of whether surgery is part of your journey. Tailored exercises help:
Stimulate healing
Rebuild strength
Improve joint stability
Reduce the chance of re-injury
Examples of Early Rehab Exercises
Always check with your physiotherapist first.
Heel Slides – improves knee bend
Inner Range Quads – builds strength in a safe range
Glute Bridges – targets hip support
Wall Squat or Mini Squats – functional loading
Balance Work – boosts proprioception and stability
When Surgery Might Be Necessary
Some tears may require arthroscopy surgery. Wherever possible, surgeons aim to preserve the meniscus to protect knee mechanics long-term.
Surgery is considered if:
There is a large, displaced tear (e.g. bucket-handle)
Ongoing pain and swelling despite conservative management efforts
The knee is locking or giving way regularly
Ready to Move Better?
Meniscus tears can be frustrating—but with early assessment, the right rehab, and physiotherapy guidance, recovery is absolutely within reach. Whether you're aiming to get back to gardening, walking the dog, chasing after little ones, or returning to sport, our team is here to support your journey every step of the way.
At Kaylana Wellness Collective, we take a whole-person approach to physiotherapy. We’ll guide you through a tailored plan to reduce pain, build strength, and get you moving with confidence again.
Book online or call us on 0431 582 661 for your personalised assessment.
✅ In-clinic & mobile appointments available
✅ HICAPS for instant rebates
✅ Located just 2 minutes from Hurstville Station
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physiotherapist, GP, or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. If you are experiencing ongoing knee pain or symptoms such as swelling, locking, or instability, we recommend booking a consultation for a personalised assessment.