Line drawing of a knee with pain or injury, indicated by lightning bolt symbols.

Medial Meniscus Tears

The medial meniscus is a critical piece of cartilage in your knee that helps absorb shock, stabilize movement, and protect the joint from wear. When torn, it can disrupt everyday activities, limit mobility, and cause persistent pain. At Access Physical Therapy, we specialize in targeted rehab programs to help patients recover from meniscus injuries with confidence.

What It Is

The meniscus is a C-shaped disc of cartilage located between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The medial meniscus, on the inner side of the knee, is more prone to injury due to its limited mobility and weight-bearing role. Tears can occur suddenly—often from twisting or pivoting—or develop over time due to degeneration.

Meniscus tears range in severity, and treatment plans vary depending on the tear’s location, size, and your personal activity goals.

What to Expect

Our approach focuses on:

  • Pain reduction through manual therapy and movement correction

  • Swelling control using ice, elevation, and soft tissue techniques

  • Mobility exercises to restore range of motion in the knee

  • Progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip stabilizers

  • Gait retraining and weight-bearing guidance

  • Post-surgical rehab, if meniscus repair or partial removal was performed

We closely monitor your progress and adjust the program to promote safe tissue healing while preventing further damage.

Who It's For

  • Individuals with acute knee pain following a twist, squat, or pivot

  • Athletes recovering from a sports-related meniscus tear

  • Patients post-meniscus surgery (repair, debridement, or partial meniscectomy)

  • Adults with degenerative meniscus tears related to aging or arthritis

  • Anyone experiencing clicking, catching, or instability in the knee

Why It Matters

Left untreated, a meniscus tear can compromise joint stability, increase arthritis risk, and severely limit mobility. With early intervention and targeted rehab, most patients return to normal activities—with improved strength, balance, and long-term knee health.