I had a plica removal maybe 3 yrs ago now, and it was about 3 weeks til I was back to light yoga, 4 weeks til back to easy step ( think basic step) and maybe 6 weeks til kickboxing and tougher step. About 8 weeks to an IMAX. I was however, doing the stationary bike right away - per the PT, and the Dr had me walking on it the day of surgery. That surgery wasn't bad and didn't hurt much -more stiff/sore/swollen than painful.
Fast forward a yr and half to my lateral release and meniscus repair on the same knee. That hurt like a b!tch. The Dr again had me walking on it same day. Took about 2 weeks for it to go full circle around on the bike pedals on a stationary bike, about 3 wks til the elliptical. I was doing body wt squats (not very deep) about 3 wks into PT, along with ball hamstring rolls. At the end of 4 weeks I was walking pretty well. At about 5 or 6 weeks I was doing basic step, and able to squat light (30-40lb) wts. Shortly after basic step came a modified RS. At about 8 wks I was mostly back to normal, but had to watch the twisty-turny and the really high impact. I'd say about 3 months is when I was back to full out normal cardio, and from there it took about another month of really pushing it to get back to the same leg wts. Lots of ice to keep the swelling down.
Now for the most part, I don't have knee issues, maybe occasionally here and there, seems mostly weather related. It gets achey when it needs to rain. The Dr told me to watch the impact, esp the running, but the PT said I can do whatever I want, as long as it doesn't bother me. I chose to listen to her
The LR rehab was def a lot tougher and alot more painful than the plica removal. From what I understand, a meniscus tear is an easier rehab as well, so I'm sure you'll do fine. Remember, we all heal at different speeds. It takes as long as it takes.
Good luck!
Nan
