Physio Network [Physio Explained] Rehab after meniscus surgery: practical guidelines for clinicians with Airelle Giordano
Feb 18, 2026
Airelle Giordano, a board-certified sports and orthopedic physical therapist and knee-injury researcher, walks through practical rehab after meniscus surgery. She discusses differences between meniscectomy and repair. She outlines precautions, the role of surgical details and surgeon-therapist communication. She covers patient selection, preserving the meniscus, and return-to-sport timing and criteria.
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Get The Surgical Details First
- Ask surgeons for specific surgical details (tear type, sutures used, repair quality) before planning rehab.
- Use the op report or prescription to tailor weight-bearing and motion progressions after a meniscus repair.
Rehab Differs By Procedure And Patient
- Rehabilitation must differ between meniscectomy (partial removal) and meniscal repair (suture/healing).
- Patient age, activity level and joint status substantially change rehab pace and goals.
Surgeon Communication Often Falls Short
- Airelle describes variability in surgeon communication and how prescriptions often lack repair specifics.
- She recommends seeking op reports because many patients cannot accurately describe surgical details.