rear-elevated split squat after meniscectomy

Month 3 Post Op Meniscus Surgery (Meniscectomy)

by Rashida Bealin Meniscectomy Surgery, monthly updateson Posted on

Month three post meniscectomy. This was also the last month of true recovery after having my second knee surgery. This month, I continued building on the progress I made during the second month and was nearly back to normal by the end of the third month. My focus was on cutting, building back power, and soccer-specific training. In this post, I detail how I was doing 3 months post-op meniscectomy. 

In case you missed in, you can find the update for my second month after medial meniscectomy HERE.

For more information on my injury, head to this post. 

How I Felt 

At the end of my second month, I was cleared to begin the return-to-sport program. This made my third month of recovery after my meniscectomy much more exciting and motivating. I still went to physical therapy for guidance, and I built into doing more dynamic and intense exercises throughout the month. I began training with a team at my former club and felt like I was well on my way to another comeback. 

How My Knee Felt 

My knee continued to improve from the second month of recovery. During the last month, I was still experiencing some swelling and pain near the meniscus. By the third month, I was not having any pain along the joint line or much swelling. Occasionally after very intense exercise, I would experience some patellar pain and minor swelling. In general, my knee was feeling much better and about the same as after I recovered from my first surgery. 

Major Events

  • I attended physical therapy once or twice a week to help me return back to sport after my surgeon cleared me to do so at the end of month 2. 
  • I increased the intensity and difficulty of my exercises and workouts. 
  • I began training with a soccer team a few times a week. 

3 Months Post Op Meniscectomy Exercises 

glute ham bar

Main focus: Power, agility, speed, soccer-specific movements

  • Agility patterns
  • Individual and team soccer drills
  • Lateral step downs
  • Anterior step downs
  • Step-up/slow step-down
  • Heavy glute-ham bar
  • Heavy SL calf raises
  • Heavy rear-elevated split squat

Meniscus Trim Surgery FAQs- 3 Months Post Op

When could you run after meniscectomy?

I began running in my second month of recovery, maybe 6 weeks post-op. By the end of the third month, I was fully sprinting, cutting, etc. 

Could you play soccer?

Yes. I began soccer training during the third month of recovery after my meniscus trim. I could play but was still working on fully getting back to normal. 

Did you have pain in your knee?

I no longer felt any pain along the medial joint line. I was still battling patellar pain that would flare up occasionally. 

Full Meniscectomy Recovery

Month 1

Month 2