Meniscus and cruciate ligament surgery - back to stability and movement
What physiotherapy and occupational therapy can do before and after surgery
A twisted foot, an audible crack, sudden instability in the knee - injuries to the meniscus or cruciate ligaments are among the most common knee injuries caused by sport and everyday life. In many cases, surgery is necessary to restore joint function. But surgery alone is not the solution - the crucial part begins afterwards: the therapeutically guided path back to movement, strength and everyday life.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are key adjuncts - both pre-operatively to prepare muscle and movement control and post-operatively to restore joint function, coordination and everyday skills.
When does surgery make sense?
Meniscus
A meniscus tear is often caused by rotational movements in the knee or degenerative changes. Depending on the location and extent, the damaged part is either sutured or removed (partial resection).
Cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (more frequently affected than the posterior) usually tears due to sudden stops, changes of direction or direct trauma (e.g. during sport). Reconstructive surgery is often performed in cases of instability or high functional demands.
Before the operation - prepare for stability, reduce anxiety
Good preoperative therapy can speed up the healing process and have a positive impact on the outcome of the operation. The aim is to maintain mobility, reduce swelling and build muscle strength - especially in the quadriceps, hips and core area.
Physiotherapy before the operation:
- Strengthening the thigh, hip and pelvic muscles
- Promotion of mobility (especially knee extension)
- Training in walking aids and everyday techniques
- Instructions for lymphatic drainage and swelling prevention
Occupational therapy before the operation:
- Training movements relevant to everyday life (e.g. standing up, climbing stairs)
- Advice on home preparation and aids
- Training on ergonomic movement strategies
- Building agency and self-efficacy
After the operation - returning to everyday life step by step
Depending on the procedure and the need for stability, follow-up treatment is carried out in stages - with clear load specifications and functional goals. Early movement under professional guidance is crucial to avoid adhesions, muscle breakdown and compensation.
Rehabilitation phases after surgery:
1. pain reduction & anti-inflammation
2. Active mobility & muscle activation
3. stability, coordination & gait training
4. development of suitability for everyday use and resilience
Physiotherapy after the operation:
- Mobilization in the pain-free area (depending on approval)
- Activation of the joint-guiding muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, hips)
- proprioceptive training & balance training
- Gait correction and load build-up
- Sensorimotor strategies for everyday movements
Occupational therapy after the operation:
- Everyday and workplace training (e.g. walking, sitting, carrying, household)
- Stress pacing and energy balance in the event of uncertainty or pain
- Movement training in a functional context (e.g. lifting a child, showering, getting into a car)
- Strengthening self-regulation and everyday life planning (e.g. return to work or sport)
Biopsychosocial thinking - knee injury is more than just a tear
At Hockenholz, we do not view cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries in isolation, but as events that have a profound impact on self-image, the rhythm of movement and everyday skills.
That’s why we integrate:
- Pain education & movement reframing ("Movement is safe - even after trauma")
- vegetative regulation (e.g. breathing, mindfulness, stress reduction)
- Goal work & motivation during rehab
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with surgeons, orthopaedic technicians, sports or rehabilitation specialists
Conclusion: surgery is just the beginning - exercise is the way forward
Whether meniscus or cruciate ligament - surgery can relieve pain and restore function. However, the full potential only becomes apparent with professional, functional aftercare.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help to reduce pain, build confidence in the knee joint and return safely to everyday life, sport and work.
The key: structured training, individual support - and exercise that strengthens rather than overwhelms.
Are you a therapist and want to deepen your knowledge of knee rehabilitation, pain regulation and functional movement?
👉 Then discover our further training courses for targeted aftercare and therapeutic training:
www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen
Are you affected yourself?
We support you - before and after your surgery - individually, professionally and with a clear goal: a stable knee, a mobile everyday life and a safe return to work.