When is physiotherapy recommended for knee cartilage injury?

A cartilage injury may cause pain with loading, swelling, stiffness, catching or reduced confidence on stairs. A physiotherapist checks how the knee moves, how much it tolerates and whether the hip and thigh muscles are contributing to strain. Treatment may begin with gentle range-of-motion work and swelling management, then progress to strengthening, balance and controlled tasks. The plan differs when cartilage damage follows a sudden injury, occurs with a ligament problem or has been treated with surgery.

Arrange an assessment if pain or stiffness is limiting walking, bending, work or sport. Until then, reduce activities that trigger sharp pain, avoid repeatedly testing a catching knee, and use only exercises that have been advised for your situation. A programme may include quadriceps and hip strengthening, gradual weight-bearing and practice of everyday movements. Learn more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek prompt medical assessment after a significant injury, inability to bear weight, a knee that locks, marked swelling, visible deformity, fever or a hot, red joint. Urgent care is needed for severe pain with a cold or numb foot, or new weakness. These features can require examination before exercise begins.

Ask whether the cartilage injury is stable, which movements to avoid, whether imaging or an orthopaedic review is needed, and how progress will be measured during rehabilitation.