Orthopedic Knee Surgery

Total knee replacement recovery exercises play a major part in your recovery following knee surgery.  Remember that your knee replacement procedure was a major operation and full recovery will take time. 

It is imperative that a regular exercise regime is commenced as soon as possible to help restore the mobility and strength to your knee.  This will help speed up your recovery so that you can return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend the knee exercises that you should do.  These will generally start off fairly light and gradually increase in intensity.  It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions on this physical therapy.
As you gain more strength and confidence your knee therapy can consist of more advanced exercises.  Here are some which can be useful.  Before starting on these exercises please run them past your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.  These advanced exercises should be started until at least 4 weeks after your knee surgery.

AdvancedKnee Exercises

Standing Knee Bends

Stand up and using a walker or crutches to steady yourself, lift your thigh while bending your knee as much as you can.  Hold this position for between 5 to 10 seconds and then straighten your knee making sure that your heel touches the floor first.  Repeat this a few times but do not over do it.

Advanced Knee Bends

Lie on your back and bend your knee to about 45 degrees.  Place a rolled up towel over your ankle and take hold of each end.  Gently pull back on the towel to increase the angle of bend.  Hold for around 5 – 10 seconds.  Repeat this exercise several times.

Resistance Knee Exercises

Using light weights, repeat the above exercises with the weights wrapped around your ankle.

These resistance exercises should not be started until at least 4 – 6 weeks after your knee replacement surgery. 

You will need some light weights that can be tied around your ankle.  These can be obtained from most sports stores.  Start with one or 2 pound weights and slowly increase the weight as you regain strength in the knee joint.

Exercise Bike

Using an exercise bike is great way to increase mobility in your knee and muscle strength.

Make sure you set the bike up properly.  Adjust the height of the seat so that with your knee almost straight the bottom of your foot touched the pedal.  Keep the tension of the exercise bike fairly low so it is easy to pedal.

First of all pedal backwards.  When you achieve a pedalling motion that does not give you any discomfort then start pedalling forwards.  Do this twice a day for about 15 minutes and slowly increase the time.  When you feel comfortable in doing so, increase the tension.

Precautions

It is not uncommon for you to feel knee pain or swelling after knee physical therapy like this.  This can be relieved by applying ice to your knee and elevating your leg.  If you feel the pain or swelling is extreme, cease the exercises and consult your health specialist.

These exercises should be an integral part of your total knee replacement recovery regimen 

Written by Kerry N  

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Avoiding total joint replacement surgery  on the knee or hip with physical therapy is the best road to recovery.

Due to arthritis, you may need total hip or knee joint replacement surgery in your later years. Physical Therapists may prevent or delay a surgery by showing individuals pain management skills, exercises, and stretches that improve function. Ultrasound, low level laser, electric stimulation, and taping techniques are other ways used to assist with pain management.

To find the source of the pain in your leg, Physical Therapists will evaluate you. A qualified Physical Therapist will customize a program to match your rehabilitation needs and abilities. You will also learn how to put only small amounts of stress on your joint that has been injured, so that the pain will be minimized.

If joint replacement surgery is unavoidable, it is recommended that in order to know what to expect after surgery, you begin working with an experienced Physical Therapist prior to your surgery.

After  total joint replacement surgery, why is Physical Therapy so essential?

A well thought out exercise regimen will increase the function of your new joint. Weak strength or range of motion post operation can leave some with limited walking and pain. The procedures your doctor performed will determine which strengthening and flexibility exercises you require. Some procedures will limit how you will be able to bend your leg or the weight you can put on it while it heals.

The exercises prescribed by your Physical Therapist should focus on strengthening your hip, trunk, and leg muscles and making them more flexible. Neuromuscular control is an important factor in the activity of leg muscles balance. Therefore, having a balance training added to the rehabilitation program to improve muscle co-ordination and movement patterns can be helpful. Your physical therapist will help you limit the effects of post-surgical scar tissue and muscle imbalances.

Rob Tendick is a physical therapy student who has helped rehabilitate patients after a total knee replacement. Rob knows firsthand the importance of trying to prevent surgery with physical therapy. Based on his experience Rob recommends Westwood Physical Therapy for outstanding physical therapy, including treatment for injury prevention. For more information visit westwoodpt.com.

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