Rehabilitation after Meniscus Suturing – Stages and Guidelines
Exercises After Meniscus Suturing – What Are the Most Important?
1. Isometric Exercises (Early Rehabilitation Phase)
Isometric exercises involve muscle contraction without joint movement, allowing activation of the muscles around the knee without loading the operated joint.
- Isometric Quadriceps Contraction: Place a roll or a folded towel under your knee, then contract the quadriceps muscle by pointing your toes toward your head. Hold the contraction for 5-10 seconds, then relax. This exercise helps maintain muscle activity without putting stress on the knee joint.
- Isometric Contraction of the Posterior Chain: Contract the posterior chain of the leg by pressing the heel into a ball or cushion, hold for 5-10 seconds, and then relax.
How Does Rehabilitation After Meniscus Suturing Progress?
The menisci are small, cartilaginous-fibrous structures in the knee joint that play a key role in cushioning and stabilizing the joint. Their task is to absorb shocks during movements like running or jumping. Despite their durability, menisci can become damaged—most often due to knee rotation with a stationary foot or during intense physical activities, such as deep squats without proper technique. If the meniscus ruptures, surgical intervention is typically necessary, which involves suturing the meniscus. How does rehabilitation after such a procedure proceed?
The First Days After Surgery – What to Expect?
The first days after meniscus suturing are a critical period during which the body begins the regeneration process. Special attention should be given to reducing swelling, pain, and protecting the operated joint. Swelling is a natural response to surgical intervention, but prolonged swelling can delay tissue healing and hinder rehabilitation. Therefore, it’s important to take the appropriate actions starting from the first days post-surgery.
One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is by using the PRICE protocol, which includes:
- Protection – In the first days, it’s especially important to take care of the knee joint. Crutches can be helpful to offload the joint and the sutured meniscus.
- Rest – Limiting activity supports the regenerative processes.
- Ice (Cryotherapy) – Regular application of ice (15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours) helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression – Using an elastic bandage or compression sleeve helps to drain fluids from the operated area, reducing swelling.
- Elevation – Keeping the leg elevated, such as on a pillow, promotes blood andlymphatic fluid drainage.
GameReady/CryoPush – Modern Support for Swelling Reduction
At our clinic, we offer treatments using the GameReady/CryoPush device, which combines cooling with compression to simultaneously reduce pain and swelling while supporting the regeneration process. This system uses automatic compression technology and controlled cooling, making it significantly more effective than traditional methods, such as ice and elastic bandages.
- Stationary Bike: After achieving 110 degrees of knee flexion, you can begin training on a stationary bike at home.
- Straight Leg Raises: Lying on your back, lift your straight leg a few centimeters off the ground, then slowly lower it back down. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps muscles and improves joint stability.
2. Exercises to Improve Range of Motion (Knee Joint Mobilization)
In the second phase of rehabilitation, it's important to gradually restore the range of motion in the knee, especially in flexion.
- Knee Flexion and Extension: While lying down, slowly bend and straighten the knee, sliding the heel along the surface within a comfortable range, to improve the range of motion.
- Balance and Proprioception on a Sensory Cushion: Stand on an unstable surface, such as a sensory cushion, which requires greater activation of stabilizing muscles. The exercise should be performed without shoes.
3. Balance and Stabilization Exercises
These exercises help rebuild knee stability, improving movement control and muscle strength.
- Single-Leg Stabilization: Stand on your healthy leg, then on the operated leg (if possible). You can make the exercise easier by holding onto a stable support. This exercise improves balance and knee joint stabilization.
- Strengthening Glute and Thigh Muscles: Perform exercises such as bridges (lifting the pelvis while lying on your back) and resistance exercises, for example, using a resistance band.
4. Strengthening Leg Muscles Exercises
When the knee begins to tolerate greater loads, strengthening exercises can be introduced.
- Squats in a Safe Plane (Half Squats): Start with half squats (up to 30° of flexion), gradually increasing the depth of the movement as the knee becomes stronger. It is important to avoid full squats in the early phase of rehabilitation to prevent overloading the operated joint.
How long does full rehabilitation after meniscus stitching take?
Rehabilitation after meniscus stitching is a process that typically lasts from 6 to 9 months. This duration depends on the extent and nature of the meniscus tear, as these structures have limited blood supply. The speed of the body’s regeneration and the patient’s commitment to therapy also play important roles. Returning to full activity, including sports, requires consistent work and a gradual increase in load. At our clinic, we use personalized therapy plans (manual therapy and medical training) and modern technologies to accelerate the recovery process as much as possible.
How to take care of the knee joint after surgery?
In the first weeks after surgery, it’s important to avoid overloading the operated knee. Using crutches as recommended by the doctor and physiotherapist (usually until around the 6th week) allows for a controlled increase in weight-bearing on the limb. Managing swelling and pain is equally crucial. It’s worth using cooling and compression, such as with the CryoPushdevice, which is available at our clinic. Keeping the knee elevated also helps reduce swelling. Another key element is regular rehabilitation. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, exercises should start with isometric ones that don’t strain the joint, and then gradually progress to more advanced exercises. Improving the range of motion and strengthening the muscles around the knee prevents stiffness and supports joint stability. Lastly, proper hygiene of the surgical wound is important. Cleaning the surgery site and following the doctor’s instructions reduces the risk of infection, and regular wound check sallow for early detection of potential issues.
Can rehabilitation after meniscus stitching allow a return to sports?
Yes! Proper rehabilitation after surgery is essential to ensure full knee functionality and avoid complications. With appropriately managed rehabilitation, patients have the opportunity to return to full functionality and the sport they love.
The article above provides a general outline for working with patients after meniscus stitching surgery. Ultimately, the rehabilitation process will vary slightly for each patient, depending on factors such as the type of injury, the surgery’s outcome, and the patient’s individual needs. If you have any questions or are post-surgery, feel free to reach out to us or schedule a visit!
Fizjo Movement Center offers comprehensive care that will help you return to physical activity faster and more safely. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin therapy.Our team is ready to help you!
Stage 1 - Protective Phase (0-2 weeks)
The main goal in this phase is to protect the sutured meniscus and minimize swelling. The patient uses crutches to offload the operated leg. With the physiotherapist, we focus on:
● Learning proper crutch walking technique,
● Maintaining knee extension,
● Performing gentle isometric exercises for the quadriceps,
● Reducing swelling.
Stage 2 - Restoring Range of Motion (2-6 weeks)
In this phase, we begin working on gradually increasing the knee flexion range of motion (around 90 degrees by the 4th week). Actions include:
● Medical training, focusing on safe range exercises to increase knee stability and strength,
● Mobilization of scars formed after knee arthroscopy to enhance the healing process,
● Muscle stimulation using neuromuscular techniques,
● Manual therapy to improve tissue flexibility around the knee.
Stage 3 - Building Muscular Strength (6-12 weeks)
The goal of this phase is to rebuild muscle strength and improve neuromuscular control. We introduce more advanced exercises, such as:
● Strengthening lower limb muscles using body weight resistance,
● Balance and stabilization exercises,
● Proprioception exercises for deep joint sense,
● Additional patellar mobilization,
● Continued work on achieving full range of motion in the knee.
Stage 4 - Preparing for Sports and Full Recovery (3-9 months)
In this phase, we work on restoring dynamic knee functions, such as jumping, running, and quick direction changes. At the end of the rehabilitation, the focus shifts to preparing the patient to return to their favorite activities. We perform:
● Plyometric exercises (e.g., jumps, bounds),
● Functional training simulating movements performed in activities the patient wants to return to after rehabilitation,
● Strength training to reinforce lower limb muscles,
● Gradual introduction of light jogging on a treadmill or outdoors.
Stages of Rehabilitation After Meniscus Surgery
Rehabilitation after meniscus suturing is a process that requires patience and consistency.The return to full functionality is divided into four stages, each with clearly defined goals and actions. Properly managed rehabilitation, under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist,helps avoid complications and shortens recovery time.
