Quick Summary
A meniscus tear does not automatically mean surgery. Assessment helps identify the right balance of rehabilitation, activity changes and specialist advice. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding Meniscus Tear
The menisci are two curved pads of fibrocartilage that distribute load inside the knee. A tear can follow a twist or develop gradually with age-related changes. A scan finding does not always explain pain, so treatment considers symptoms, movement and whether the knee genuinely locks.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
We assess your history, swelling, range of movement and everyday function. A knee that becomes physically stuck and cannot straighten needs prompt medical evaluation. Imaging or an orthopaedic opinion may be appropriate when results would change management.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain along the inner or outer joint line.
- Swelling or stiffness after twisting or loaded bending.
- Catching, reduced movement or a knee that feels unreliable.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why symptoms may develop
Sporting turns and awkward steps can cause acute tears. Gradual tissue changes can also make a meniscus tear with less force. Other knee conditions may contribute to symptoms, and the pattern of injury matters when deciding on referral.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Once acute injury concerns have been addressed, gentle joint or muscle treatment may improve comfort and movement. It does not stitch or reposition a torn meniscus. We avoid aggressive massage over a freshly swollen knee. We explain the purpose and check your comfort and response throughout treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a routine treatment for a meniscus tear. The priority is restoring function through appropriate rehabilitation and identifying tears that need specialist management. Your physiotherapist can explain the more suitable options and how their effect will be reviewed during your ongoing rehabilitation.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We build a tolerable programme of knee movement, thigh and hip strengthening and functional activity. Deep loaded bending or twisting is adapted initially if provocative. After meniscal surgery, exercise must follow the specific repair or trimming procedure and weight-bearing instructions.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice if you cannot move the knee, bear weight, or straighten a knee that is locked.
- A hot swollen knee with fever or feeling unwell needs urgent medical assessment.
- Go to A&E for a deformed leg after injury or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb.
Your questions answered
Will my tear need an operation?
Many tears are managed with rehabilitation. A locked knee, certain acute tears or persistent limiting symptoms may need specialist assessment. The decision depends on the person and injury, not the MRI wording alone.
Can I exercise with a meniscus tear?
Often yes, within an appropriate plan. We help select comfortable movements and gradually rebuild activity while monitoring swelling, catching and function.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
Knee Cartilage Injury · ACL Injury / Tear
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.