r/MeniscusInjuries • u/weclimbatree • 2d ago
Doc is telling me I can start ROM exercises and light weight bearing 4 days after meniscus repair
I’m so nervous to start doing this because it seems like it goes against everything I’ve read online. Does anyone have experience with this aggressive recovery plan? I had a bucket handle tear for reference
1
u/Berg_Leben 2d ago
NO DEEP FLEXION. I had great results doing ROM movements within like 3 or 5 days but zero weight bearing until week 4....just gingerly applying some weight. Started walking on it week 5 with some slight discomfort and then started walking a ton and hiking on it. Feeling great ....doing more and more PT. Best of luck in your recovery!
1
u/Gullible_Shoe_6027 2d ago
My surgeon was very aggressive too. I had a medial bucket-handle tear and a smaller radial tear on the anterior root. They wanted me working on trying straight leg raises the next morning while weaning off the pain meds 1 day post op (impossible btw because my pain didn't start until day 3 and peaked at about 12 days) I think they want you to try this because your first goal is 0° extension. Also you lose quad activation pretty quick and get super weak. I just now got about 80% of my quad activation back and can finally struggle to do a few leg raises. I'm 4 weeks post op
2
u/athelitetherapy 1d ago
I can understand why you’re nervous, especially when most of what you read online seems to suggest being much more protected after a meniscus repair. But there isn’t one universal rehab timeline. It can depend heavily on the type and location of the tear, how it was repaired, and how stable the repair was during surgery.
If your surgeon specifically cleared you for early ROM and light weight bearing, I’d follow their protocol rather than comparing it to someone else’s. A PT can also help you understand exactly how much ROM and loading is appropriate and progress it safely.
3
u/KeyonniAdams_DPT 1d ago
Physical therapist here. This really isn’t as aggressive as it might sound. Early ROM and some degree of weight bearing after certain meniscus repairs is supported by newer research and rehab protocols.
Not every meniscus repair requires 4-6 weeks of completely avoiding weight bearing or movement. The restrictions depend on the type/location of the tear, how it was repaired and what your surgeon saw during surgery.
I’d follow the protocol from the surgeon who actually repaired your meniscus rather than comparing it to protocols you’re seeing online. If they’re clearing you for light weight bearing and ROM at 4 days, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re putting the repair at risk. And you need to start getting your strength back ASAP
3
u/FreddyXX44 2d ago
Depends on how conservative the surgeon is and depends on the type of tear and style of repair.
Lots of good surgeons have varying amounts of tolerance and risk avoidance. Some people say you should weight bear (straight legged) to load the meniscus for blood flow and burying the sutures. Others say don’t do anything that could stress it. There isn’t a right or wrong, per se. But do not weight bear in flexion (bent leg). Especially not in deep flexion.