Physical Therapy Meniscus Tear Treatments in Kansas City
Physical Therapy Meniscus Tear Treatment in Kansas City.
The meniscus is a thin, c-shaped piece of cartilage that sits in your knee joint between your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). It consists of a medial portion (inside) and lateral portion (outside). The purpose of the meniscus is to cushion the knee joint during impact activities such as walking, running, and jumping. A traumatic tear of the meniscus typically occurs during high impact activity that involves a twisting motion at the knee when the foot is planted. It is also possible to have a degeneration of the meniscus over time that leads to a more severe tear without traumatic injury.
Meniscus Tear
Symptoms
Symptoms of a meniscus tear are generally pain either on the inside or outside of the knee and a potential feeling of something catching in the knee.
- Popping of the knee
- Swelling of the knee at the joint line
- Feeling like the knee locks, gives way or catches
- Decreased range of motion of the knee
- Tenderness with palpation of the knee at the joint line
Physical Therapy Treatments for Meniscus Tears
Mild to moderate tears can often be successfully treated conservatively with physical therapy techniques like soft tissue work and corrective exercise, but more severe tears may be best treated with surgery. Whether or not surgery occurs, our physical therapists can perform soft tissue work to the surrounding areas and can include Active Release Technique, FAKTR, and dry needling. Our hands on work is then complemented with exercise that will correct abnormal bio-mechanical movements that may be occurring during sports, running, lifting, or daily activities.
Our Treatment Process
Our doctors use research-based techniques and evidence-based functional testing to assess and treat a possible meniscal tear. Our treatment process corrects any muscle imbalances or tissue restrictions that may be contributing to knee dysfunction.
Our thorough evaluation will assess core, hip, and knee strength, dynamic lower extremity stability, balance, and proprioception to create a personalized treatment program to not only rehabilitate injury but also contribute to improved sport specific performance. Following surgery we will work alongside your surgeon to develop a post-operative plan that is tailored specifically to your needs.
Treatments for meniscus tears
For post-surgical care, check out our chiropractic services for meniscus tears.
Graston Technique
The physical therapy Graston technique is one of the leading instrument assisted soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
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Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
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Rehabilitation Exercises
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Exercise that favors quality movements over quantity of reps is key to restoring proper function.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a meniscus tear test you can perform?
Yes. Our providers can perform orthopedic tests to assist in determining your diagnosis for a meniscus tear in Kansas City. Feel free to contact Kansas City's F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic physical therapists for more information about testing and treatment for a meniscus tear.
What does meniscus tear recovery look like?
Meniscus tear recovery is an extensive process that should be guided by your physical therapist. Depending on the extent of your injury and whether you had surgery will help determine this process. In general, it will consist of a variety of soft tissue therapies accompanied with rehabilitative exercises. The length of a meniscus tear will depend on your individual medical history, your willingness to follow prescribed treatment, and the extent of your injury.
Can you help with my medial meniscus tear?
Yes! Our Kansas City physical therapists are trained in soft tissue techniques and rehabilitative exercises to help with your medial meniscus tear.
I'm experiencing meniscus problems. Can you provide me with a diagnosis?
Following an examination with one of our physical therapy providers, we would be able to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan to help you recover from your meniscus problems. We have five convenient locations for you to visit, so please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment and we'll be happy to help.
Tell us about your pain.
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 8 locations: Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Crossroads, Blue Valley, Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park & Shawnee.
