If you’re dealing with a degenerative meniscal tear, you’re not alone — and you may be wondering whether exercise therapy or arthroscopic surgery is the better path. A long-term study published in Physical Therapy Journal followed patients for five years, and the results offer clear guidance.
What the Study Found
Researchers compared two groups of middle-aged adults with meniscal tears:
- One group completed 12 weeks of supervised exercise therapy
- The other group underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (knee surgery)
Here’s what happened:
1. Exercise therapy boosted strength faster.
In the first 3–12 months, patients who did structured exercise saw significantly greater improvements in quadriceps and hamstring strength than those who had surgery.
2. Long-term strength was similar — but exercise still held an edge.
At the 5-year mark, both groups saw some natural decline in strength. But patients who started with exercise still maintained slightly better quadriceps strength than those who had surgery.
3. Stronger muscles protect your knees.
The study found that people who had weaker quadriceps at the start were much more likely to show worsening knee osteoarthritis over the next five years.
Translation: building strength early isn’t just about feeling better — it may help protect your joint long-term.
What This Means for You
Exercise should be your first choice.
For many people with degenerative meniscal tears, a structured PT program can deliver better strength gains than surgery — especially in the short term.
Strength matters for knee health.
Your quadriceps are like shock absorbers. Keeping them strong may slow the progression of knee arthritis.
A supervised program makes a difference.
The exercise group followed a clear, progressive plan with professional guidance. That structure is a big reason results were so strong.
Surgery is still an option — but not the only one.
If symptoms persist after rehab, surgery may be considered — but it doesn’t guarantee better long-term strength.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been told you have a degenerative meniscal tear, starting with supervised exercise therapy is a proven, effective, and joint-protective approach. It helps you build strength, reduce symptoms, and may even slow arthritis progression — all without going under the knife.
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