How long does physiotherapy take to work for a knee cartilage injury?

Physiotherapy for a knee cartilage injury may improve pain, movement, and strength over several weeks, while the full rehabilitation period depends on the injury’s depth, location, stability, and treatment plan. Recovery may be slower when swelling, reduced weight-bearing, or a procedure limits early exercise.

Treatment may restore knee movement, reduce swelling-related stiffness, and rebuild the thigh and hip strength needed for walking, stairs, and sport. Cartilage itself has limited healing capacity, so physiotherapy often improves how the knee is loaded and supported rather than repairing every structural change. Your programme should match any imaging or surgical instructions.

Follow weight-bearing and range-of-motion limits if they were prescribed, and do not add impact exercise before your clinician clears it. Perform the home exercises with steady control, use rest or elevation if advised for swelling, and progress cycling, walking, or strengthening in stages. Note changes in swelling, catching, and tolerance after activity.

Seek review if the knee repeatedly locks, catches, gives way, or remains swollen after ordinary activity. Prompt assessment is needed for severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, a hot red knee with fever, or new calf swelling and breathlessness. A plateau may mean the load, diagnosis, or rehabilitation stage needs adjustment.

Ask what the cartilage injury means for weight-bearing, bending, impact, and sport. Clarify which symptoms indicate acceptable exercise response, when strength should be retested, and whether persistent catching or swelling warrants further imaging or an orthopaedic review.