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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If you suffer from arthritis is highly likely that you will need either a total hip replacement or knee joint replacement surgery when you get older.

I undertaking a pain management course, under the instruction of a trained physical therapist, and learning pain management skills along with stretches and exercises that improve muscle function many people are preventing or delaying such surgery.

In order to customize the program that meets your abilities and rehabilitation needs, physical therapists will firstly evaluate your condition.  In addition you will learn how to minimize stress on your joints that are injured with a view to minimize the pain.

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?

If partial or total joint replacement surgery cannot be avoided, it’s very important to go into this with your eyes open so that you’ll know what to expect after the operation.  The best way to do this is to start working with your physical therapist before you have the surgery.

The importance of undertaking an exercise regimen after joint surgery cannot be over emphasized as it will ensure quick recovery and use of the new joint.  Without an exercise plan, it is possible that you won’t regain full strength and range of motion in the joint which can inhibit movement and be a source of pain.  The type of flexibility and strengthening exercises that you will need after surgery are dependent on the type of surgery that was before.

In your physical therapist should prescribe exercises to strengthen your core, hip and leg muscles and encourage flexibility.  Your rehabilitation program should also include some form of balance training to improve muscular coordination.
In addition your physical therapist or medical practitioner will advise you how to reduce any effects of post surgical scar tissue and muscle imbalance to ensure the fullest possible recovery.

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