Rehabilitation Guidelines Following Knee Arthroscopy

• Timelines mentioned are approximate and progression depends on individual recovery.
• Knee arthroscopy for isolated meniscal tears or loose bodies does not need intensive physiotherapy post-operatively. Please follow Dr Reddy’s advice regarding exercises.
• Dr Reddy will refer you to a therapist if knee stiffness or quadriceps weakness is an issue or if concomitant conditions of the knee may benefit from physiotherapy.
• For the first 2 weeks – Apply icepacks 3-5 times daily for 10 minutes each time.

First 2 weeks

• Static quadriceps exercises, straight leg raise, calf presses, hip abduction exercise.
• Core strengthening exercises.
• Range of movement of knee exercise sitting in a chair.
• Upper body conditioning.
• Progress with gait training to decrease dependence on assistive devices, if being used.

2 – 6 weeks

• Progress with strengthening exercises as tolerated – including squats, hamstring curl, leg press.
• Progress with resistance exercises, core strengthening and start aerobic exercises.
• Emphasise single leg strength, stance and proprioception.