Total knee replacement surgery (also called arthroplasty) can be life changing for someone suffering from knee trauma but it is a major operation and so recovery can take quite a while. Recovery from this type of knee surgery could also mean suffering with quite a bit of pain and some loss of function of the knee joint. However, this knee operation can be a major player in helping restore quality of life.

Prior to knee surgery, the knee has usually suffered from some degenerative changes which, in turn, may have caused the muscles that help support the knee to lose some of their strength and to not function exactly as they should. After a knee replacement operation, exercise is a critical part of the healing process but because of the pain and loss of function of the knee as well as the weakened muscles, it can be difficult to stick with an exercise regimen.

Over the past few years a lot of progress has been made in developing knee prostheses that are extremely durable and long lasting. Even so, these synthetic knee joints are not as robust as the actual knee joint and are subject to being damaged by activities like running, jumping and twisting and other “high impact” physical movements.

Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you in the exercise routine that you should commence after knee replacement surgery. He will also advise when to start exercising. Major knee exercises generally should not commence until your knee can bear your full weight, swelling and pain at the front of the knee has subsided and you have good knee motion, usually being able to bend you knee through 90 degrees. This could be as long as three months after the surgery. As soon as possible after the knee surgery, patients are expected to do simple knee straightening and bending exercises, sometimes with the aid of a special machine. The exercises will progress from light exercises initially and slowly increase in intensity as time and the healing process progresses.

The aim of the knee exercises is not only to ensure the knee can be bent and straightened but also to build up the muscles around the knee that help support it and to develop balance.

Two of the best knee rehabilitation exercises are bike riding (on an exercise bike) and swimming. These not only provide excellent therapy to assist in the healing of the knee joint but also are excellent cardiovascular exercises that also help in weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight level will speed up recovery time as less pressure is applied to the knee joint.

• BIKE RIDING – Use an exercise bike. When sitting on the seat, the foot should just rest on the pedal and the leg should be straight. This will prevent over-bending the knee which could cause damage. Start on a low resistance setting and slowly increase the resistance and the time.

• SWIMMING – This is one of the favored exercises because it is not weight bearing and can provide a total body workout. Again, start slowly and, if necessary, use a float to support the legs. Avoid leg actions like in the breast stroke which can put excessive strain on the knee joint. Slowly work up to a normal kicking action.

As the strength of the muscles around the knee and the mobility of the knee joint increases, you should experience less pain and discomfort and be able to slowly get back to your normal daily routine.
Knee rehabilitation exercises post total knee replacement surgery are one of the best ways to reduce recovery time and ensure that the new knee will give you many years of pain-free use.

Knee Rehabilitation Exercises

Whether you are rehabilitating your knee form after surgery or after an injury, progression of exercises should be slow and pain free.

Knee Rehabilitation After Knee Surgery

A general rehabilitation program in a patient with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Day of surgery

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Knee orthopedic surgery ( sometimes called knee scope surgery) videos will show you what is entailed in a knee arthroscopy.

Sometimes not knowing is worse than the actual procedure.  This can be the case  with arthroscopic knee surgery.  Basically it is method used to investigate and repair damage that is causing knee pain and limitation in movement using minimally invasive surgery techniques.

The first video, an animation, explains how the knee joint works and how the surgery is performed.

The second video is a real life case.  It briefly shows the operation and covers what you can expect after the knee operation.

Arthroscopy of the Knee

Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees. 

Tips For Fast Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is fairly quick, especially when compared with recovery from open knee surgery. Still, it is important to follow all of your orthopedic surgeons instructions for the fastest recovery possible.

What to Expect From Arthroscopic Surgery

With knee arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon can get an excellent view of the interior of a patients knee. This is done by use of a very tiny camera inserted through a very tiny incision. 

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To prevent complications of post operative knee surgery it is important to get the knee working as soon as practical and so rehabilitation after arthroscopic knee surgery is a citical step in recovery . This article examines exercises that can be used in arthroscopy knee surgery recovery.

Following arthroscopic knee surgery, it is imperative that you start knee exercises immediately.  The aim of the exercises is to not only restore strength to the knee joint but to also help restore a full range of motion to the knee.

Listed below are four knee rehabilitation exercises that you can start with.  These are non-weight bearing exercises and will assist in restoring the range of motion to the knee as well as gently strengthening the muscles around the knee.

Remember, however,  that any exercise regimen should first of all be discussed with your orthopedic surgeon before commencement.  It is most likely that you will be given similar exercises by your surgeon.  An early start to exercising is usually recommended by most surgeons but some may suggest waiting a few days after the knee surgery before commencing an exercise routine.

In the early stages following your knee arthroscopy surgery you may feel some discomfort in the knee joint and possibly some swelling.   This isn’t unusual and antiflammatory medication is usually prescribed to help relieve these symptoms.

When doing these exercises you should not experience any pain.  If you do then you should cease them immediately and rest the knee joint.  You may, however, feel a gentle stretching sensation when you first begin but should not feel any real pain.  Afterwards it is good practice to elevate your leg and apply ice to help reduce any swelling that may occur.

Here are the four exercises that can be used, subject to confirmation by your orthopaedic surgeon, immediately after your knee arthroscopy.  When doing these exercises it is important that the motion be gentle and steady and not jerky. Over-stretching must be avoided.

The first exercise stretches the quadriceps:

• Lay on your back on a flat surface. Put a rolled up towel beneath your ankle. Now push your ankle down into the towel. You will notice that your knee will tend to straighten.  Try to straighten the knee as much as you can.  Hold the position for about five seconds. Then relax for a few seconds and repeat the exercise 9 times (ten in total).  Remember to keep all motion smooth.

The second exercise – Straight Leg Raises:

• Again, lay on your back on a flat surface. Straighten the leg that was operated on and keep it straight while bending your other leg to about an angle of 90 degrees so that the foot is flat on the floor. Contract the front thigh muscles and slowly raise the operated on leg about six inches (15 centimetres) off the floor. Hold this position for about 5 seconds and then lower your leg. Rest for a few seconds and then repeat the exercise another 9 times. Remember to keep the knee straight at all times.

The third exercise is for the hamstrings – Hamstring Contractions:

• Lie on your back and bend both knees to 10 to 15 degree angle. While keeping your legs still, pull your heel into the floor causing the muscles on the back of your thigh to contract. Again, hold this position for about five seconds and then rest for a few seconds before repeating.  Do this exercise 10 times.

 The fourth exercise involves the gluteal muscles.  These are the three muscles that comprise the buttocks:

• Lie on your back and bend your knees to a 10 to 15 degree angle. Now squeeze your buttock muscles together and hold for a count of 5. Rest for a few seconds and then repeat for a total of 10 sets

By following this exercise regimen you should prevent any complications of post operative knee surgery.

Arthritis Knee Exercises Strengthen the Muscles That Support the Knee

Arthritis knee exercises are very important if one is experiencing arthritis in the knee joints. Exercise is one way to maintain a strong and healthy cartilage as it has the effect of strengthening the tendons and muscles that support the knee.

Knee Exercises

Knee health is critical and will have a profound impact on your daily life. Do you find yourself struggling to run, bend your knees or getting out of your seat.

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