James presented six weeks post-meniscal repair having been cleared by his surgeon for rehabilitation. Goals: return to parkrun within three months, complete a 10k within five months. He had moderate quadriceps atrophy, reduced knee flexion ROM (95° vs 135° on the unaffected side), and reported pain of 4/10 during stair descent.
01
Reduce swelling and restore full ROM through soft tissue work, gentle joint mobilisation, and isometric quad activation.
02
Progressive closed-chain loading - leg press, step-ups, split squats - building quad strength and neuromuscular control.
03
Single-leg stability, lateral movement patterns, and impact preparation. Running gait analysis conducted.
04
Graduated run/walk intervals. Full 5k completed pain-free at week 9.
James completed his target 10k at week 11 – one week ahead of schedule – with zero pain. Follow-up assessment showed quad symmetry within 5% of the uninjured side.
"Harry's approach was methodical and always explained. I knew exactly where I was in the recovery and why every exercise mattered."
Full Recovery