Meniscus Tear Physiotherapy in Clapham
Knee pain, swelling, clicking or locking after a twist, or that came on gradually? Many meniscus tears improve with physiotherapy. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Meniscus Tears
As part of our knee physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats meniscus tears in Clapham, helping you ease pain, restore movement and get back to the activities you enjoy.
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
The menisci are two pads of cartilage in your knee that cushion and protect the joint. According to the NHS, a meniscus tear often happens when you twist your knee during sport or everyday activities. Tears can also develop gradually as cartilage changes with age.
Symptoms
The NHS lists symptoms including:
- Knee pain or tenderness
- Stiffness or swelling around your knee
- Difficulty moving your knee
- A crunching or clicking feeling when you move your knee
Some people also feel their knee catch, lock or give way.
The First Few Days
The NHS advises rest, ice for up to 20 minutes every few hours, a supportive bandage and raising your leg. Don’t keep your knee completely still, and start gentle movement after a few days.
How Physiotherapy Helps
The NHS notes that tears may heal on their own and that physiotherapy may be recommended to reduce pain. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Exercises to restore knee bending and straightening
- Strengthening for your thigh, hip and calf muscles
- Balance and control exercises
- A gradual return to running, sport or the gym
Do I Need Surgery?
Many meniscus tears, especially those that develop gradually, improve without surgery. The NHS notes severe tears may need keyhole surgery to repair or remove damaged cartilage. Olivia can advise if a referral might help, and support your rehab afterwards.
Locking and Giving Way
If your knee is locked and you can’t straighten it, or keeps giving way, get it checked, as this may need a specialist opinion.
When to Get Urgent Help
The NHS advises getting urgent help if you have severe pain, can’t put weight on your leg, can’t straighten your leg, or your knee is swollen and hot.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through how your knee pain started, your symptoms and your goals
- Assess your knee, hip and ankle, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Meniscus Tear FAQs
- Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Some tears can heal or settle on their own, especially with the right exercise. Others may need surgery. Olivia can assess you and advise.
- How long does a meniscus tear take to recover?
Many people improve over several weeks to a few months with physiotherapy. Recovery after surgery depends on the type of operation.
- Should I keep my knee still?
No. The NHS advises not keeping your knee completely still and starting gentle movement after a few days.
- Can I run with a meniscus tear?
It depends on your symptoms. Olivia will help you build strength first, then return to running gradually.
- Do I need a referral for meniscus tear physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
Stay Connected
Stay updated by following us on our social channels. Links are provided below to keep you connected.
Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.