Physical Therapy Exercises Improve A Meniscus Tear
Workplace injuries are difficult to deal with, and they can be especially difficult when they impact parts of your body you use daily. A torn meniscus due to your work can have long-term effects.
The good news is that physical therapy can help you after a workplace accident. These are some of the ways your therapist may help you after you tear a meniscus at work.
Deadlifts
Your therapist may have you strengthen your leg muscles with deadlifts. These are done by lifting a weighted bar off the floor and standing straight up, then lowering it back to the ground in a controlled manner.
This exercise is great for strengthening your legs, hips, and core. When these body parts are strong, you can prevent a similar injury in the future.
Squat Pulses
Squat pulses are another exercise you can do to help with a meniscus tear. In this exercise, you will stand straight up and then bend your knees and pulse the squat for several reps before standing again.
This helps to strengthen your leg muscles without causing too much strain on the injured area. It may also help improve your balance and coordination to avoid future injury. Squatting is something you may do often at work, so it's good to build this skill.
Seated Leg Lifts
Seated leg lifts may help you heal your meniscus tear caused by work. You'll sit on the ground with your legs in front of you. You'll lift one leg up to parallel with the floor and hold for several seconds before lowering it again.
This exercise is great for your legs, including your hamstrings and quads, but it will also give your core some strength, too. This is also a great exercise because it puts no strain on the meniscus as it heals.
Cycling
If you want to return to work shortly after your injury, you may need to build more endurance without straining the torn meniscus. Cycling is an excellent way to do that.
The motion of cycling helps you build strength and endurance without putting too much strain on your meniscus. It's also a low-impact exercise that won't cause more irritation while you heal.
A Workplace Injury Physical Therapist Will Help
If you've torn your meniscus at work, it's a good idea to talk to a physical therapist. They can help you create a tailored plan of exercises and movements to help you heal your injury so you can return to work quickly and safely.
Reach out to a workplace injury treatment physician near you to learn more.