compex stem machine on quads

Week 8 and 9 Rehab After My Second Meniscectomy

by Rashida Bealin Meniscectomy Surgery, monthly updateson Posted on

These two weeks were filled with a lot of progress after my second partial meniscectomy.

Before learning more about weeks 8 and 9 of my recovery, I recommend reviewing previous posts including:

Below, I will outline the key aspects of weeks 8 and 9 of rehab after my second meniscectomy

How I Felt During Weeks 8+9 of Meniscectomy Rehab

For the most part, I felt pretty optimistic during these weeks. After playing my first game back in week 7, I felt far more confident in my return. While I was nowhere near completely fit or pain-free, I was able to get the job done. This gave me a lot of confidence and inspiration to keep working. It also motivated me to continue to address my weaknesses.

Still, I felt a little impatient with my recovery. Returning to sport involves considerations aside from just the knee. I still felt my muscles lagging and was a little nervous about that.

How My Knee Felt

ultrasound treatment on quad

After playing my first game back, my knee certainly felt a little sore. However, this was not the primary issue I was having.

While I was still dealing with medial knee pain to a small extent, my muscles were the bigger challenge when coming back. It was hard to adapt quickly to a rapid change in exercise volume. For the rest of week 7 and week 8 after another game, I was struggling to recover and heal from a muscular standpoint. The areas I dealt with the most severe soreness were the quad of the operated leg and the hamstring of the opposite leg.

Major Events

I continued with playing during these weeks. We had another match during week 8 and then no game during week 9. Throughout this time, I continued with team trainings and individual training sessions.

While I was playing before this, I did not feel normal until roughly 9 weeks post-op. From that time on, I did not really notice my knee (or quad tendon) at all. For the most part, my muscles were adapted and I started to really get back into my playing groove.

Some key events to note were:

  • Full range of motion.
  • Played another match.
  • Participated in team trainings.
  • Continued individual strengthening.
  • Finally began to feel closer to normal around week 9.
  • Continued to use ice, massage, heat, and other treatment to manage pain and promote healing of the knee and surrounding muscles.

8+9 Weeks Post-Op Meniscectomy Exercises

I continued strengthening on my own in addition to team training sessions. Maintaining a regular gym schedule will be important for staying as injury-free as possible. It’s hard to do while in season, but I try to plan my workouts around the games and based on how I feel.

I implemented many exercises from my 7 to 9-month and 9 to 12-month ACL recovery exercises videos.

A few examples include:

  • SL Pistol squat
  • SL RDL
  • Hamstring holds
  • Banded jumps, including single leg
  • Weighted Step Ups
  • SL squats
  • SL lunge on toes

Meniscectomy Rehab Frequently Asked Questions- 8 and 9 Week Post Op

Did you have pain?

Barely. I did not have any pain at rest and started to not notice my knee. I would get some soreness after certain sessions. I still dealt with a bit of muscle pain of the surrounding muscles.

Could you sprint?

Yes, by this time I could sprint. This included agility/change of direction sprints.

Could you play soccer?

Yes, I played another soccer game during this time and participated in team trainings. I had to manage my body a little bit, but by the end of week 9 I was feeling fairly close to normal.