If you've had this problem a long time, chances are you've lost muscle strength and maybe even coordination. Once the cartilage is repaired and the knee has been realigned, strength and motion must be restored. This will help prevent uneven wear on the joint and prevent further injuries.

It's likely you'll only see the therapist a couple times. Once your strength, motion, and movement have been evaluated, a program of stretching and exercise can often be done at home or at the gym. The therapist will also check your joint position sense and balance. These are also key to keeping a healthy knee.