Recovering from a meniscus surgery can be a complex, challenging process. You may be eager to get back to your regular activities and lifestyle. However, returning too quickly can hinder your recovery. Physical therapy can play a crucial role in each step of your recovery, from managing acute symptoms to helping you regain your physical capabilities. Learning about the advantages of postoperative PT can show why it’s so often essential to recovery.
The meniscus is a dense pad of cartilage located beneath the kneecap. This tissue serves to absorb shock and keep your knee protected. When subjected to repetitive stress or a major impact, the meniscus can get damaged. Meniscus injuries are relatively common, especially among athletes. Fortunately, meniscus tears can often be addressed with surgery. According to one study, over 80% of meniscus tears are repairable. While surgery may be necessary, it doesn’t instantly lead to a full recovery. Even after your operation, continual rehabilitation will likely be needed to help your condition improve. As you work toward recovery, physical therapy can give you an array of advantages.
5 advantages of physical therapy rehabilitation after meniscus surgery
Reduced pain — After your surgery, you may be noticing some pain and soreness around your knee. This kind of discomfort is common and can linger for several weeks. Physical therapists use a range of techniques to offer pain relief. Effective pain relief methods include manual therapy and dry needling. Manual therapy refers to hands-on treatment techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. Using this approach, your physical therapist can reduce painful tension and improve your knee’s mobility. Dry needling is a specialty treatment that involves dry, sterile needles inserted into the skin. These needles help release tension and alleviate pain. Dry needling and manual therapy can also help reduce swelling, another common symptom following knee surgery. By bringing down your inflammation, your physical therapist can help you move your knee more easily and comfortably.
Restored knee mobility — People often experience stiffness in the knee joint following surgery. This can make it difficult to walk, run or even stand. If your mobility is limited after meniscus surgery, physical therapy can be key to getting back on your feet. Physical therapists work to restore knee mobility in a variety of ways. In most cases, exercise plays a major role. Your physical therapist will work with you to build an exercise plan that matches your needs, capacity and recovery goals. As you progress in your recovery, your physical therapist will adapt your treatment plan to your changing condition. You may be able to progressively engage in more complex and intensive exercises as your condition improves. If traditional exercises are too hard on your knee, your physical therapist may incorporate aquatic therapy into your treatment plan. An aquatic environment can enable you to engage in exercise without putting too much weight on your knee.
Accelerated recovery — When recovering from meniscus surgery, early support is key. Physical therapy can help support an accelerated recovery in many different ways. With a tailored exercise plan, you can speed up your progress in regaining physical strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist may also use treatment modalities that promote better blood flow. These may include manual therapy and dry needling. By improving your circulation, these techniques enable injured tissue to receive more nutrients. This can help stimulate your body’s natural healing processes.
Reduced scar tissue — After knee surgery, scar tissue often forms around the operation site. Though scar tissue development is a natural part of healing, excess scar tissue can come with unwanted effects. This tissue can make your knee feel stiff. It may also create discomfort and tension in the surrounding tissue. With manual therapy and other methods, your physical therapist can break up excess scar tissue and reduce further scarring. Controlling scar tissue development can help ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your knee’s functioning.
Improved balance — Are you having trouble staying on balance after meniscus surgery? Balance issues following surgery are fairly common. You may feel like your knee is unstable, leading you to walk with an uneven gait, which can contribute to worsened balance. If you’re looking to improve your balance, physical therapy can help. Your physical therapist may incorporate balance training into your treatment for optimal results.
Experience comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation at KC Rehab
At KC Rehab, we provide top-notch rehabilitative care. Our team of licensed clinicians offers evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs. With our help, you can receive personalized care designed to ensure a successful recovery after meniscus surgery.
Contact our team today for more information about postsurgical care or to schedule an initial appointment.
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