Meniscus Tears
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, especially in active adults and athletes. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. It can be torn through twisting, squatting, or even wear and tear over time. While some tears require surgery, many respond well to conservative treatment with physical therapy.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we help patients recover from meniscus injuries with a targeted, step-by-step rehab approach. Whether your tear is recent, chronic, or post-surgical, we’re here to reduce pain, restore function, and get you moving again with confidence.
Affected Area
Meniscus tears affect the cartilage within the knee joint, often impacting joint alignment, load distribution, and shock absorption. The injury can also lead to dysfunction in the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip, and ankle due to altered movement patterns and compensation.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or catching in the joint, and difficulty bending or straightening the leg. You may also feel instability, especially during twisting or weight-bearing movements. Some people experience a “locked” knee that won’t fully extend.
Treatments
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for meniscus injuries, whether or not surgery is involved. At Sparq PT, we develop a personalized plan to reduce pain, restore motion, and strengthen the muscles that support your knee. Treatment may include:
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility
Range of motion and flexibility exercises to restore normal movement
Strength training for the quads, hamstrings, and glutes
Balance and neuromuscular re-education to improve joint control
Sport-specific or return-to-activity training for long-term durability
With expert guidance and consistent rehab, most patients can return to their normal activities without long-term limitations.