How often do I have to go to physiotherapy?

Usually the first prescription after meniscus surgery is 6 units with 2-3 sessions per week. Subsequent prescriptions are then issued, whereby up to 30 units can be prescribed during the entire rehabilitation period. If there are further complaints or the healing process is not completed, additional units can be issued in exceptional cases. In normal cases and in the case of an uncomplicated course, patients have about 3-4 weeks of physiotherapy after a meniscus operation and are then able to continue the exercises independently from home.

Targeted exercises for home

During physiotherapy after meniscus surgery, there is a whole range of exercises aimed at mobilizing and stabilizing the joint, strengthening the muscles and improving mobility. Some typical exercises are listed below.Lifting the leg – Strengthening the thigh muscles Here, the operated leg is stretched while lying down and lifted approx. 20 cm from the floor.

This position is held for a few seconds and then slowly lowered again. Strengthening of the thigh muscles While lying down, stretch the operated leg and then try to press the hollow of the knee into the floor so that the thigh is tensed. The patient sits or lies on a comfortable surface and the knees are slightly bent (about 10°).

Now the heels are pressed into the floor so that the back of the thigh is tensed. Hold the tension for 5 seconds, then release it. 10 repetitions.

Strengthening of the knee-stretching muscles The patient lies in prone position on a comfortable support. The ankle of the operated leg is placed on a rolled up towel or pillow and pressed down towards the floor so that the leg is stretched. Again, the position is held for 5 seconds and repeated about 10 times.

Stretching of the knee bending muscles The patient lies in a supine position on a comfortable support. The non-operated leg is positioned and the operated leg is flexed in the hip. The thigh of the operated leg is grasped with the hands above the knee.

From this position, the knee is slowly stretched and the tension is maintained as soon as a pull can be felt in the hollow of the knee. Knee bends to strengthen the muscles In this exercise, the patient uses the back of a stable chair as a support by grasping the back with his hands. Now he/she slowly goes into the knees (no more than 90° bend in the knee!)

and slowly returns to the starting position. 10 repetitions. Knee extension while lying down The patient lies in a supine position on a comfortable support.

A rolled up towel or pillow is placed under the operated knee in the hollow of the knee. The hollow of the knee is now pressed towards the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then return to the starting position.

10 repetitions One leg stand (Flamingo) In this exercise the patient stands on the operated leg. The other leg is bent at a 90° angle and stretched backwards while the upper body is tilted forward by 30°. From this position slowly bend the supporting leg slightly and hold it for 10 seconds. 5 repetitions.