It’s completely normal to feel weakness in your knees and legs after a meniscus surgery, due to both the procedure itself and reduced mobility during the recovery phase. That’s why doctors typically recommend a comprehensive physical therapy plan—designed to strengthen the knee muscles, restore full motion, and help you return to your normal daily activities faster. (1)


Why Is Physical Therapy Important After Meniscus Surgery?

Physical therapy plays a key role in recovery after meniscus surgery. The main goals of treatment include: (2)(3)

  • Reducing pain and swelling: Initial therapy focuses on minimizing post-surgery discomfort using gentle compression, leg elevation, and specific exercises to improve blood flow around the knee.
  • Restoring range of motion: Your physiotherapist will guide you in regaining the ability to fully bend and extend your knee through stretching and progressive mobility exercises.
  • Strengthening the muscles: Targeted exercises will help rebuild the strength of the knee and leg muscles, improving joint stability and lowering the risk of reinjury.
  • Faster recovery: With consistent therapy, you'll be able to return to daily activities and even sports sooner and more confidently.


In the early stages, physical therapy usually involves simple range-of-motion and straightening exercises. As you progress, exercises become more challenging to gradually build strength and flexibility.


It’s very important to stick to the full therapy plan outlined by your physiotherapist to ensure optimal recovery and best results.




The Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Department at Al-Ahli Hospital provides custom recovery programs tailored to help you regain full mobility and strength after meniscus surgery—helping you return to your everyday life as quickly as possible.



Examples of Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Your physiotherapist will create a plan tailored to your condition. Most exercises are performed at home several times a day. Common exercises include: (4)


Hamstring Stretch

  • Lie on your back with both legs straight.
  • Loop a strap around the middle of your foot.
  • Raise your leg straight upward using the strap until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
  • Hold for 20 seconds, then lower.
  • Repeat 5 times.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery


Tip: A slight bend in the knee is fine at first, but over time, aim to keep the leg as straight as possible.


Calf Stretch

  • Lie on your back with legs extended.
  • Loop the strap under the ball of your foot.
  • Gently pull your toes toward you, keeping your leg straight, until you feel a stretch in your calf.
  • Hold for 20 seconds.
  • Repeat 5 times.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Tip: If you don’t feel the stretch at first, try pulling the toes first, then add pressure with the strap.


Quad Set

  • Lie on your back with your leg straight.
  • Place a rolled towel under your knee.
  • Tighten your thigh muscle and press the back of your knee into the towel.
  • Hold for 2–3 seconds, then relax.
  • Repeat 20 times.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Tip: You may feel discomfort behind the knee, but it should be tolerable.


Straight Leg Raise

  • Lie on your back, operated leg straight, opposite leg bent at 90 degrees.
  • Tighten your thigh, keep the leg straight, and lift it to the level of the opposite thigh.
  • Hold briefly, then lower slowly.
  • Repeat 10 times, then rest for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat the set again.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Tip: No need to lift your leg too high—just enough to align with the bent leg.


Long Arc Quad (Seated Leg Raise)

  • Sit on a chair or edge of a bed with knees bent.
  • Slowly straighten your lower leg while keeping your thigh in place.
  • Tighten the thigh muscle for one second, then lower.
  • Repeat 20 times, rest for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat again.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Note: Your therapist may ask you to wear ankle weights as you improve.


Heel & Toe Raises

  • Stand in front of a stable surface (e.g., table) for support.
  • Slowly rise onto your toes, then lower.
  • Then, lift your toes while standing on your heels, then lower.
  • Repeat 20 times, rest 30 seconds.
  • Repeat again.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Tip: It’s okay to sway slightly at first—work toward maintaining balance.


Step-Ups

  • Place a small step or platform on the ground.
  • Holding a stable surface, step up with your good leg, then bring up the operated leg.
  • Step down in the same order.
  • Repeat 10 times per leg, then rest for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat again.


Physical Therapy Exercises After Meniscus Surgery

Tip: Start with a low step, and gradually increase the height as you improve.


Additional Tips

  • Vary and progress gradually: Exercises should be customized and adjusted based on your recovery phase.
  • Follow-up with your physiotherapist is key: Make sure you perform exercises under supervision to avoid mistakes or injury.
  • Stick to your plan: Stay consistent with sessions and home exercises for the best results.
  • Stop if pain is severe: If you feel any intense or unusual pain during an exercise, pause and speak to your doctor or therapist.


Reminder: The type and intensity of exercises should be tailored to your condition. Always consult your physiotherapist before starting any program.


References