Larry Cassidy has received a good report on his troublesome knees and hopes to be back riding by the end of February.

Cassidy, the younger brother of recently retired champion jockey Jim Cassidy, hasn't ridden since June 8 after succumbing to knee problems caused by wear and tear from 25 years of riding.

It had been feared Cassidy's long career might have been at an end.

The winner of more than 2500 races and a premier jockey in Sydney and Brisbane, Cassidy had surgery on his left knee in late June and has been on crutches for the past few months.

He went to see his doctor on Friday and received a positive report.

"Things are looking better than I had expected. I am still on crutches but I can now start stepping up my exercises, swimming and bike riding," Cassidy said.

"I have to go back to the doctor on January 25 and hopefully then I can get the OK to get back on a horse in early February."

During his time off Cassidy's weight has risen to 65kg but he is back on a strict diet.

"I only have one pair of pants that fit me and it is time to do something about it," Cassidy said.

"I have begun a diet and I have lost 1-1/2 kilos in a week. The weight should start coming off."