EDUCATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY POSTS BY DR. SABRINA J GRAY

Did you know the menisci move!!! Like the gears of a longines watch you are a machine of precise movements. As we bend our knee there is also a rotational component (5º) & the menisci must be able to stay in the correct position relative to the thigh bone (Femur) to help deepen the knee joint & to avoid getting pinched. The popliteus (highlighted muscle) controls the inward rotation of the shin bone (Tibia) & pulls the outer meniscus (highlighted) backwards.
Thats right, the popliteus muscle is connected to the outer meniscus. The outer & inner mensici are attached to each other in the front by a small ligament that travels between the two like a bridge. When there are adhesions (knots) within the popliteus, this can affect the precise timing of menisci movement as the knee is flexed resulting in an internal derangement of the knee. To you this can translate to inability to fully bend your knee, pain when bending your knee, &/or joint line knee pain.
Active Release Technique or Dry Needling are fantastic solutions to this issue, as well as a functional evaluation to determine why this precise mechanism became an issue for you, as the popliteus is typically responding to external forces.
There are more muscles that attach to the mensci including the quad & one of the hamstring muscles.

Concierge Care by Dr. Sabrina J Gray of Hands On Care Physical Therapy Serving Branford, Guilford, & Madison CT