ACL tears and meniscus tears are two of the most common knee injuries. Whether caused by contact sports, a football tackle, or even little or no trauma (as seen in older adults), these injuries can result in pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion in the knee joint. Fortunately, physical therapy is an essential part of both conservative treatment and post-surgical care, helping patients regain strength, stability, and function.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD in Hollywood, FL, we offer advanced care for ACL and meniscus injuries, supported by cutting-edge Enovis technology. Whether you need physical therapy for ACL tear, meniscus tear physical therapy, or a personalized knee injury recovery program, Dr. McCarthy is here to help. If you’re ready to begin your recovery, schedule your appointment today.
Here’s how physical therapy can support your healing journey.
The Role of Physical Therapy in ACL and Meniscus Recovery
For patients with an ACL injury or torn meniscus, physical therapy is a critical component of both conservative and post-surgical care:
- Before surgery, PT can improve range of motion, reduce swelling, and prepare the injured knee for optimal outcomes.
- After surgery (such as ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair), PT helps restore strength, flexibility, and knee joint stability.
In some cases, conservative treatment alone (without surgery) — guided by physical therapy — may be appropriate for certain meniscal tears or partial ACL tears.
Key Exercises That Support Recovery
Knee rehab exercises are tailored to your specific injury and carefully progressed throughout each stage of knee injury recovery. Some of the most effective exercises include:
- Range of motion exercises to gently restore flexibility and knee joint mobility
- Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening to stabilize the knee and support proper alignment
- Calf muscle exercises to enhance lower extremity function and improve gait
- Balance and proprioception training to rebuild joint awareness and reduce the risk of future knee injuries
Your physical therapist will guide you through these exercises, ensuring they are performed safely and are progressively adapted as your healing advances.
The Benefits of Flexibility and Balance Training
Improving flexibility and balance is a vital part of both ACL rehabilitation and meniscus tear physical therapy. Many ACL injuries and meniscal tears occur due to sudden stops, deep squatting, or twisting motions, especially during contact sports or certain sports like soccer or basketball.
Targeted training to improve muscle flexibility, enhance the shock absorber function of the meniscus, and promote better overall coordination helps reduce knee difficulty during daily activities and supports a safe return to sport.
For female athletes, who may face a higher risk for ACL injury, this type of prevention-focused training can significantly lower injury risk. It also offers key benefits for older adults and individuals with knee arthritis or osteoarthritis, helping them move more comfortably and confidently.
How Progress Happens: Typical Recovery Timeline
The timeline for knee injury recovery depends on the type of injury and the chosen treatment approach. Here’s what to expect:
- Conservative treatment for partial tears: typically 6 to 12 weeks with gradual strengthening exercises and functional progressions
- Post-surgical ACL rehabilitation: often 6 to 9 months before safely returning to full sport activity
- Meniscus tear physical therapy following meniscus surgery: generally 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the repair and individual healing response
Throughout recovery, your physical therapist will guide each stage — from restoring range of motion, to gradually progressing weight-bearing, to incorporating sport-specific and functional knee rehab exercises.
Remember, healing is individualized. Rushing recovery can place you at risk for reinjury. Following your therapist’s plan ensures safe and effective progress.
Tips for Choosing the Right Physical Therapist
Selecting the right physical therapist plays a key role in achieving a strong and safe knee injury recovery. Look for a therapist with specific experience in treating:
- Torn meniscus
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Cartilage injuries
- Sports injury rehabilitation
- Post-operative rehab after knee surgery (including ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair)
An experienced therapist understands how to personalize care, from improving range of motion to building strength and ensuring a smooth return to activity.
Dr. McCarthy and his team coordinate closely with trusted physical therapy partners who are skilled in guiding patients through both conservative treatment and post-surgical rehab.
If you’re experiencing knee pain, limited range of motion, or trouble extending your knee fully, it may be the right time to start a tailored physical therapy program.
Start Your Recovery Journey With Kevin McCarthy, MD
Physical therapy plays a vital role in easing ACL and meniscus pain and restoring knee joint function. Dr. McCarthy can help guide your recovery with a personalized treatment plan.
Schedule an appointment today with Kevin McCarthy, MD in Hollywood, FL, and learn how our team can support your knee injury recovery.
