Conservative Physical Therapy Management of a Chronic Medial Meniscus Tear
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Background: Meniscal tears are prevalent in active populations with increased incidence rates in US military populations and are associated with pain, functional limitations, and increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Conservative management is recommended for non-traumatic tears; however, optimal exercise prescription and progression remain unclear, particularly in highly active adults.
Purpose: To describe the outcomes of a progressive, exercise based physical therapy program for chronic knee pain secondary to a medial meniscus tear in a highly active 46-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Case Description: The patient presented with a two-year history of right knee pain with primary complaints of sleep disruption due to knee locking, pain with prolonged sitting, and inability to run. MRI confirmed medial meniscus tear, low-grade ACL injury, and early tibiofemoral chondral changes. Baseline Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score was 49/80. Examination findings were consistent with knee pain and mobility deficits with proximal hip weakness and flexibility restrictions. The patient participated in six physical therapy sessions over one month, emphasizing progressive single-limb strengthening, neuromuscular re-education, and dynamic stability training. Outcomes: After six visits, the patient reported resolution of knee pain impacting sleep, improved tolerance to prolonged sitting, and ability to return to jogging without symptoms LEFS improved by 20 points to 69/80, exceeding the MCID.
Discussion: This case demonstrates that individualized, progressive exercise emphasizing neuromuscular control and proximal strength can substantially improve pain and function in an active adult with chronic meniscal pathology and early osteoarthritic changes. Conservative management may be an effective intervention in similar populations.
Recommended Citation
Skinner, Elizabeth, "Conservative Physical Therapy Management of a Chronic Medial Meniscus Tear" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 21.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/21
Conservative Physical Therapy Management of a Chronic Medial Meniscus Tear
Background: Meniscal tears are prevalent in active populations with increased incidence rates in US military populations and are associated with pain, functional limitations, and increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Conservative management is recommended for non-traumatic tears; however, optimal exercise prescription and progression remain unclear, particularly in highly active adults.
Purpose: To describe the outcomes of a progressive, exercise based physical therapy program for chronic knee pain secondary to a medial meniscus tear in a highly active 46-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Case Description: The patient presented with a two-year history of right knee pain with primary complaints of sleep disruption due to knee locking, pain with prolonged sitting, and inability to run. MRI confirmed medial meniscus tear, low-grade ACL injury, and early tibiofemoral chondral changes. Baseline Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score was 49/80. Examination findings were consistent with knee pain and mobility deficits with proximal hip weakness and flexibility restrictions. The patient participated in six physical therapy sessions over one month, emphasizing progressive single-limb strengthening, neuromuscular re-education, and dynamic stability training. Outcomes: After six visits, the patient reported resolution of knee pain impacting sleep, improved tolerance to prolonged sitting, and ability to return to jogging without symptoms LEFS improved by 20 points to 69/80, exceeding the MCID.
Discussion: This case demonstrates that individualized, progressive exercise emphasizing neuromuscular control and proximal strength can substantially improve pain and function in an active adult with chronic meniscal pathology and early osteoarthritic changes. Conservative management may be an effective intervention in similar populations.