Cartilage is a soft flexible tissue that acts as a kind of shock absorber in the joints. This is the location at which three bones meet: the thighbone, which is called the femur; the shinbone, which is called the tibia; and the kneecap, which is called the patella. The piece of cartilage at this junction is known as the meniscus. A tear to the meniscus -- which often occurs from sudden contact to or a twist of the knee -- is very serious and needs immediate treatment.
Treatment
Physical therapy of the knee is only helpful to recovery once the initial healing is complete. The healing itself will be expedited by a treatment program that will include RICE -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- anti-inflammatory medication and, if the injury is severe enough, a knee arthroscopy procedure to repair the cartilage. Upon completion of these treatments, exercise is used to restore regular mobility and strength in the calf, hips, quadriceps of the front thigh and hamstrings of the back thigh. The purpose of these exercises is help you reach a state in which you can resume your normal activities.
Exercises
Physical therapy will help the knee if the exercises are of the kind that specifically target muscles attached to the bones that come into contact with the knee joint. These exercises include the straight leg raises, hamstring curls, heel raises, shallow standing knee bends and quad sets. They should be done on the advice of a doctor or medical professional and overseen by a physical therapist. Home exercises may be recommended if you begin to feel minimal or no pain.
Progression
Strengthening exercises can help with the recovery of a torn meniscus. They are gradually added as your knee returns to full strength and proves capable of bearing heavy weights. Low impact exercises such as swimming and cycling can also be introduced over time. A return to high impact and full contact activities signify the final stages of the therapy program.
Time Frame
The recovery time of a meniscus tear and the degree to which physical therapy can help both depend upon the size, type and location of the injury, in addition to your age, health status and activity level. If the tear is minor, therapy may not be needed at all. But if the tear is significant, then therapy may require weeks or months to fully restore function.
