Can a Physio Diagnose a Meniscus Tear? | Expert Knee Injury Assessment

Knee pain can show up out of nowhere - maybe after a long hike, a sudden twist during sports, or even from kneeling too long while gardening. What is that one common culprit? The answer is a meniscus tear. It’s that sharp, nagging discomfort deep inside the knee that just won’t go away. But do you really need to wait weeks for a specialist to tell you what’s wrong? Not necessarily.

Physiotherapists are often the first line of support when knee injuries happen, and many people are surprised to learn just how much they can assess. If you've been wondering what’s going on with your knee, this article breaks down can a physio diagnose a meniscus tear, how to diagnose a meniscus tear, and knee pain physiotherapy exercises.

What is a Meniscus Tear?

The knee joint is a complex structure that experiences stress during walking, jumping, running, and twisting movements. Within this joint are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the menisci (plural for meniscus). These structures act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), helping with weight distribution, stability, and joint lubrication.

A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged, often due to forceful twisting or sudden stops, especially while the foot is planted. It's a common sports injury, but can also result from age-related degeneration or even everyday activities that involve awkward knee movements.

Several causes of meniscus tears are -

• Sports involving pivoting (like basketball, soccer, or tennis).

• Lifting heavy objects while squatting.

• Accidental slips or falls.

• Age-related wear and tear.

  
  

And what are the key symptoms of a meniscus tear?

• Pain is localized around the knee joint.

• Swelling and stiffness.

• Limited range of motion or inability to fully extend the knee.

• A popping sensation at the time of injury.

• Locking or catching in the knee.

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

If you are someone who is experiencing these symptoms, you must consult a physiotherapist.

Can a Physio Diagnose a Meniscus Tear?

Physiotherapists are highly trained healthcare professionals specializing in musculoskeletal and movement disorders. While they don’t perform surgeries or prescribe medications, their training equips them to assess and treat soft tissue injuries which including meniscus tears also.

Clinical assessment is the first step towards the diagnostic process, which includes -

• A detailed history of how the injury occurred.

• Symptom timeline and intensity.

• Observing your gait, posture, and knee function.

• Manual palpation to detect tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities.

Physiotherapists use a hands-on approach to evaluate whether your symptoms align with a meniscal injury or another knee issue, such as ligament damage or patellar problems.

Although physiotherapists cannot order diagnostic imaging in every province or country, they know when to refer you for further tests like X-rays or MRI if:

• The diagnosis is uncertain

• The symptoms are severe or worsening

• Conservative treatment doesn’t result in improvement

• There’s suspicion of a more complex injury (e.g., ligament rupture, bone damage)

In such cases, the physiotherapist will coordinate with your doctor or specialist for advanced imaging and collaborative care.

Tests Used by Physiotherapists to Assess a Meniscus Tear

Specific physical tests are conducted to evaluate the likelihood of a meniscus tear. And consequently, physiotherapy for treatment of knee pain is suggested. Some tests that help determine which part of the meniscus may be affected and how severe the damage is are –

McMurray’s Test

This test involves bending and rotating the knee while applying pressure. A clicking or popping sound, combined with pain, may indicate a meniscus tear.

Thessaly Test

The patient stands on one leg and twists the knee at a 20-degree angle. Pain or discomfort during the twisting movement is one of the signs of a meniscus tear.

Apley’s Compression Test

The patient lies on their stomach while the physio applies pressure through the heel while rotating the leg. Pain signals potential damage to the meniscus.

Joint Line Tenderness

The physio palpates (presses on) the joint line of the knee to detect tenderness and pinpoint the affected area.

Bounce Home Test

This test assesses whether the knee can fully extend without pain or catching, indicating potential obstruction from a torn meniscus.

All these tests are done for Knee joint stability assessment. When these tests are performed together and interpreted in the context of the patient’s history and symptoms, they offer a strong indication of whether a meniscus tear is present.

Physiotherapy for Meniscus Tears: Treatment & Recovery

Once meniscus tear physiotherapy is done, physiotherapy comes into existence for recovery. Many meniscal injuries don’t require surgery and respond well to conservative treatment.

Physiotherapy treatment for meniscus tears includes -

Pain Management

Ice therapy, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and gentle massage to reduce pain and inflammation.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and decrease stiffness.

Strengthening Exercises

Targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves to improve knee stability.

Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercises

Stretching and mobility drills to restore normal movement.

Proprioception and Balance Training

These are the exercises that retrain the body to maintain knee stability during movement.

Gradual Return to Activity

Gradual return to activity means safely reintroducing walking, running, or sport-specific movements.

The goal of knee pain physiotherapy is not just pain relief but also long-term joint health, injury prevention, and a full return to daily or athletic activity.

When to See a Physiotherapist vs. a Doctor?

Knowing when to see a physiotherapist versus a doctor is key to timely and effective care.

See a physiotherapist if -

• You’ve experienced a twisting injury and now have pain, stiffness, or swelling.

• Your knee locks, catches, or gives way during movement.

• You want a non-surgical recovery plan matching your lifestyle.

• You’re dealing with persistent or recurring knee discomfort.

See a doctor (preferably an orthopedic specialist) if - 

• Your knee is severely swollen or deformed.

• You’re unable to bear weight or extend your leg.     

• You experience sharp, persistent pain despite conservative treatment.

• There is a suspected ligament tear, fracture, or need for surgery.

In many cases, your physiotherapist can guide you to the right specialist if more advanced care is necessary.

Conclusion

Can a physio diagnose a meniscus tear? Yes, they can. Moreover, through a combination of detailed clinical assessment, functional testing, and customized treatment plans, physios play a central role in helping individuals recover and regain full mobility, often without the need for surgery.

Don’t delay if you are experiencing knee pain, swelling, or mobility issues. The earlier you get a professional assessment, the better your chances for a smooth and full recovery.

RMT Movement offers a compassionate approach to musculoskeletal care and helps you move pain-free and live fully. Our team ensures that you get the support every step of the way. Book your appointment today and let us help you get back to doing what you love, without pain holding you back. Visit our website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?

Common signs of a meniscus tear include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, difficulty bending or straightening the knee, and a catching or locking sensation.

How Do Physiotherapists Test for a Meniscus Tear?

Physios use clinical assessments like McMurray’s Test and Thessaly Test to check for pain, clicking, or instability in the knee joint.

Can Physiotherapy Treat a Meniscus Tear Without Surgery?

Yes, many meniscus tears, especially minor ones, can be effectively managed with physiotherapy focused on strengthening, mobility, and pain relief.

Can Physiotherapy Prevent a Meniscus Tear?

While it can’t prevent all injuries, physiotherapy helps improve joint stability, flexibility, and strength, which lowers the risk of tears.

Do I Need to Rest Completely If I Have a Meniscus Tear?

Not always, relative rest is key, but guided movement and targeted exercises can promote healing without overloading the knee.

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal on Its Own Without Surgery?

Small, stable meniscus tears - especially on the outer edge of the meniscus - can often heal naturally with conservative treatment like physiotherapy.

Is It Safe to Exercise with a Meniscus Tear?

With professional guidance, low-impact and meniscus tear rehab exercises are usually safe and beneficial to maintain strength and aid recovery.