REHAB PROTOCOL · KNEE

Meniscus Surgery Rehab Protocols

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

The written protocol Dr. Kelly provides to his patients and their physical therapists in the Tri-Cities. Time frames are guidelines — progression is criteria-based, and your own post-op instructions always govern.

⬇ Printable protocol (PDF)Request an appointment →

Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team's directions. In an emergency, call 911.

0–6 Weeks

PROTECT THE REPAIR

6–8 Weeks

RESTORE MOTION

8–12 Weeks

BUILD STRENGTH

12–16 Weeks

RETURN TO SPORT

0–6 WeeksPROTECT THE REPAIR

•TDWB in brace in extension with crutches; brace in extension (at all times)
•Active/Passive ROM 0–90°, with physical therapy; quad sets, SLR, heel slides; patellar mobilization

GOALS Protect the repair

6–8 WeeksRESTORE MOTION

•FWBAT- may unlock brace; discontinue brace when quad strength adequate (typically around 4 weeks)
•Discontinue crutches when gait normalized; wall sits to 90°; may unlock brace

GOALS Full ROM

8–12 WeeksBUILD STRENGTH

•Weight bearing as tolerated without brace; full ROM; progress with closed chain exercises; lunges from 0–90°; leg press 0–90°
•Proprioception exercises; begin stationary bike

GOALS Single-leg control

12–16 WeeksRETURN TO SPORT

•Progress Strengthening exercises; single leg strengthening; begin jogging and progress to running
•Sports specific exercise

GOALS Impact progression

Return to Sport & Discharge Criteria

•Full pain-free ROM, no effusion, normalized gait
•Quad/hamstring strength ≥90%; hop symmetry ≥90% where sport demands
•Return to sport when cleared by Dr. Kelly

Time frames are guidelines — progress when phase goals are met, per Dr. Kelly and the treating therapist.

Procedure variants — printable protocols

When to call

Increasing pain, numbness, redness, drainage from the wound, or fever/chills — call (509) 460-5588. After hours, the answering service can reach Dr. Kelly. If your issue feels emergent, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Physical therapists

Treating one of Dr. Kelly's patients? Download the printable protocol for your clinic, and call (509) 460-5588 with questions about an individual patient's progression.

⬇ Protocol PDF

Related protocols

KNEEACL Reconstruction KNEEQuadriceps & Patellar Tendon Repair KNEETotal Knee Replacement

Back on the field starts with a plan.

Fellowship-trained sports medicine care in Kennewick, Richland & Pasco.

Request an Appointment