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Can You Do Cardio with a Torn Meniscus?

The knee is not only the largest joint in the body—it also plays a crucial role in all kinds of movement. The knee’s three bones include the thighbone, the kneecap and the shin, while the knee stability is ensured by ligaments and disc-shaped cartilage that resists friction, called menisci. When the knee undergoes sharp, sudden movement—especially as experienced during athletic activity—followed by a fall, one of these parts is liable to be injured, eliminating the cushioning the knee needs.

A torn meniscus is the most common knee injury. It may seem not so bad or painful over the first few days, and some patients may simply try to ignore the pain and not seek medical attention. Some may even attempt exercise, including cardio, operating under the mistaken belief that this will hasten healing. This isn’t a wise idea, though, as it could be doing further damage to the knee. Eventually the knee will become very painful and swollen.

Brampton sports injuries are unfortunate and unpleasant experiences. However, it is possible to repair and rehabilitate the damage with the help of a trained professional. One important part of physical therapy is cardiovascular exercise. Let’s look at some of the considerations for repairing a torn meniscus.

Surgery

The most common treatment for a torn meniscus in the past was arthroscopic surgery. However, some new studies demonstrate that surgery isn’t necessarily effective in all cases. In some instances, patients have seen identical results using physical therapy as they did with surgery, especially with less severe injuries.

Working with a physical therapist would obviously help you avoid the high cost and uncertainty of a surgical procedure. You’ll want to discuss your options with an expert and choose the treatment path that’s best for you.

Physical therapy for torn meniscus

When and how much you should exercise your injured knee depends on how the knee was injured. Exercising vigorously immediately following the injury is not recommended. That’s because this can result in inflammation, thereby delaying the healing process.

Instead, working with a physical therapy expert on developing an activity program designed to support the repair of the knee is recommended. Over the course of several weeks, the therapist will work with the patient to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, as well as the ligaments that are part of the knee. Eventually the patient may move on to light aerobic work, along with low-impact weight lifting.

The experts in treating sports injuries

When you’ve experienced Brampton sports injuries, you need a high level of expertise during recovery. At Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic, our dedicated team takes a treatment approach that incorporates education, exercise, manual therapy, modalities and acupuncture. Our goal is to help every patient effectively reintegrate into sports and regular activities of daily life.

We’re committed to providing the general public with physical therapy interventions. Our treatment approach is focused on manual therapy techniques. Our experienced team is always actively working in a partnership with the patient to create the most positive rehabilitation experience possible. People trust us to deliver the highest quality of services on their road back to wellness. Call us today to learn more and receive a free consultation.

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