Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus is a serious injury occurring frequently in athletes and even more frequently in those over the age of 65. The tear is caused by a sharp, sudden twisting movement at the knee joint. Even though a meniscus tear can be extremely painful, there are many options other than surgery depending on the nature of the tear.

The meniscus usually refers to the cartilage in the knee joint located between the femur and tibia bones. When a sudden twist, abrupt stop of motion, or deep squatting occurs at the knee joint, a tear might occur. Depending on the location of the tear, the body may be unable to repair itself. As your body ages, blood circulation at the knee begins to decrease as well as the increase of degeneration. Almost half of all people over 65 have a torn meniscus to some degree, but for many there are no symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is extremely important you take action before they get worse.

If you are still able to walk and your knee isn’t “locking up”, physical therapy, rest and R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may be your solution. Before you attempt any exercises or strained movements, it is imperative that you visit your doctor or physical therapist. A doctor will most likely refer you to physical therapy in order to prevent the meniscus tear from worsening.

A physical therapist will be able to access your injury and work with you through personalized exercise and movement routine. This program will allow your knee to be rehabilitated properly and safely. The physical therapist will provide you with exercises to do at home to help ease your pain as well as help keep your progress going. In addition, the physical therapist will teach you safe movement practices that will help prevent this injury from occurring again in the future.

For many, however, surgery is necessary to repair the damage to the meniscus. During the rehabilitation process, physical therapy will be just as integral to rebuilding motion as well as lifestyle training to avoid re-injury in the future.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

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