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Patient Questions  /  Torn meniscus: surgery or therapy?

Knee

Does a Torn Meniscus Always Need Surgery?

No. Many meniscus tears, especially wear-related tears in people over about 40, improve with exercise therapy. Studies found that for these tears, exercise can work as well as arthroscopic surgery. Surgery is more likely to be needed if the knee truly locks, or for some tears in younger people after an injury.

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Two kinds of meniscus tears

The meniscus is the cartilage cushion between the thigh and shin bones.

  • Wear-related (degenerative) tears happen gradually with age. They are very common on MRI, even in people with no knee pain at all.
  • Injury-related tears happen with a twist, often in sport, and are more common in younger people.

What the research shows

For middle-aged and older adults with a wear-related tear, several well-designed studies found that a supervised exercise program gave similar results to arthroscopic surgery for pain and function. That's why many orthopedic surgeons now recommend trying physical therapy first.

When surgery may be the better choice

A surgeon may recommend surgery if your knee truly locks and won't straighten, if a torn piece is caught in the joint, or for some injury-related tears in younger, active people where repairing the meniscus is possible. Your doctor and physical therapist can help you decide.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A knee that locks and you can't straighten it
  • Sudden, large swelling right after an injury, or you can't put weight on the leg
  • A hot, red, swollen knee, especially with fever
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth, which needs urgent attention

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist builds a progressive program to strengthen the thigh and hip muscles, restore motion and improve balance, and helps you get back to walking, stairs and activity. If you do end up having surgery, going in stronger helps your recovery.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Knee arthritis and knee pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026