How to Obtain a Total Range of Motion After Meniscus Surgery

According to information from the medical site Arthroscopy.com, the meniscus is the cartilage within the knee, which is often subject to overuse injuries such as partial or complete tears. While many meniscus injuries can be treated without resorting to surgery, the most severe require active measures to repair. Following surgery, a full recovery can only be effectuated through the use of rehab exercises to restore a full range of motion to the joint.

Instructions

• 1

  Perform passive knee extensions to restore range of motion to the joint, as you will likely have difficulty fully extending the leg following surgery. Lie on the ground and place a bath towel beneath the heel of your affected leg so that it is elevated roughly four to six inches off the ground. Relax your leg completely, using deep breathing and concentration to loosen the muscles of the leg, allowing the force of gravity to slowly straighten your knee. Hold in the stretched position for 10 to 30 seconds, repeating for two or three total sets. Note that you can expect to feel mild to moderate discomfort while performing this exercise, but the discomfort will be reduced the more you practice the drill.

• 2

  Perform heel slides to increase your ability to fully bend the knee. Sit on the ground with both legs held straight out in front of you with your feet flat on the ground. Initiate the movement by bending the injured leg at the knee, allowing the heel of that foot to slide closer and closer to your body. Ideally, you should be able to bring your leg fully to your chest. Stop when you feel more than moderate discomfort, holding in that position for 10 to 15 seconds before returning the leg to the starting position. Repeat for a total of two to three times per session, aiming to gradually improve your range of motion as the knee becomes more limber.

• 3

  Perform straight leg raises to increase the strength of the injured leg, allowing it to more comfortably assume a full range of motion. Lie on the ground with your injured leg held straight out and your uninjured leg bent at a 45 degree angle with the foot flat on the ground. Initiate the movement by straightening the injured leg as much as you can, using the muscles on the front of your leg to lift it about six to eight inches off the ground. Hold it in the lifted position for 20 to 30 seconds, slowly reversing when time is up. Repeat four or five times, increasing the amount of the hold as your leg strength improves.