Physical Therapy in Riverdale, New Jersey

Have you recently had a meniscus tear and don’t know what to do next? Do you live in the Riverdale area? Look no further than the team at Pro Staff Physical Therapy. We have a convenient location in Oakland, NJ, to help you with all your needs.

At Pro Staff Physical Therapy, we work with all ages and types of meniscus tears. Whether you are looking for help to get back to a sport or planning to have surgery to fix the tear, we are here to help. We understand that each patient will have unique movement goals, and we want to make sure that your treatment is addressing all your needs. No matter where you are with your recovery, we have a team that can help.

What does the Meniscus Do?

Think of the meniscus as the shock absorbers for your knees. Both knees have a medial and lateral meniscus that helps protect and absorb impact for the knee joint. The meniscus comprises a thin layer of cartilage that can get worn down over time. This can cause tiny tears in the meniscus, or having a high-impact activity can also cause a tear. There are a few different approaches to treating a meniscus tear. There is more conservative treatment that is focused on healing your body itself or surgical interventions. Therefore, it is essential to work with your surgeon and physical therapist to ensure you are getting the proper treatment and care for your specific injury.

Common Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

• Pain along the front and back of the knee.
• Decreased flexion and extension of the knee.
• Difficulty walking or standing is secondary to pain.
• Deep ache within the joint.
• Clicking or snapping within the joint.
• Feelings of instability with walking or using the stairs.

Conservative vs. Surgical Care

Physical therapy after a meniscus tear is essential to control the initial inflammation and assess your function. Conservative care, or just doing physical therapy, has been proven to be just as effective as surgical repair of the meniscus. The body is incredibly good at healing when given the right mobility and strength to support the knee. There is also less risk of developing osteoarthritis when compared to surgical intervention. This is because you are keeping the cartilage within the knee instead of taking it out completely.

Surgical intervention is another option after a meniscus tear. This may be the best option for specific tears that are more painful or if there is a chance of repairing the meniscus. It is essential to wait a few weeks after the initial injury to determine the extent of your overall function and to allow the leg to become stronger if you decide to go through surgery.

The physical therapists at Pro Staff are experts in treating all variations of meniscus tears and replacements. We will help you understand your injury and return to your usual self.

Get Started Today

If you are struggling with a meniscus tear and live in Riverdale, NJ, come down to Pro Staff Physical Therapy in Oakland, NJ. We will help you understand your options and work with you no matter what your goals may be. Contact our office at 201-907-1445 to schedule an appointment today.