Regular exercise to restore strength and mobility to your knee and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery after total knee replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily; and walk for 30 minutes,
2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery. They may suggest some of the exercises shown below. This guide can help you better understand your exercise and activity program, supervised by your physical therapist and orthopaedic surgeon. To ensure your safe recovery, be sure to check with your therapist or surgeon before performing any of the exercises shown. The following exercises will help increase circulation to your legs and feet, which is important for preventing blood clots. They will also help strengthen your muscles and improve knee movement. Start the exercises as soon as you are able. You can begin them in the recovery room shortly after surgery. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but these exercises will help speed your recovery and actually diminish your postoperative pain. Quadriceps Sets
Straight Leg Raises
You also can do leg raises while sitting.
Continue these exercises periodically until full strength returns to your thigh. Ankle Pumps
Continue this exercise until you are fully recovered and all ankle and lower-leg swelling has subsided. Knee Straightening Exercises
Bed-Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends
Soon after your surgery, you will begin to walk short distances in your hospital room and perform everyday activities. This early activity aids your recovery and helps your knee regain its strength and movement. WalkingProper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.
Stair Climbing and DescendingStair climbing is an excellent strengthening and endurance activity that also requires flexibility.
Once you have regained independence for short distances and a few steps, you may increase your activity. The pain of your knee problems before surgery and the pain and swelling after surgery have weakened your knee. A full recovery will take several months. The following exercises and activities will help you recover fully.
Knee Exercises with ResistanceYou can place light weights around your ankle and repeat any of the above exercises. These resistance exercises usually can begin 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. Use 1- to 2-pound weights at first; gradually increase the weight as your strength returns. (Inexpensive wrap-around ankle weights with Velcro straps can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.) ExercyclingRiding an exercise bike is an excellent activity to help you regain muscle strength and knee mobility.
Pain or Swelling after ExerciseYou may experience knee pain or swelling after exercise or activity. You can relieve this by elevating your leg and applying ice wrapped in a towel. If you use ice, it should be placed on the knee for 20 minutes and then removed for 20 minutes; this sequence should be repeated for about 2 hours. Exercise and activity should consistently improve your strength and mobility. If you have any questions or problems, contact your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist. How many times a week should I do physical therapy after knee replacement?Most people spend 1 to 3 nights in the hospital. After you're discharged, you might check into a rehab facility. There, you'll usually get physical therapy 6 days a week for a couple of weeks. One advantage of a rehab clinic is that you will have help and you're sure to do your exercises every day.
Can you overdo physical therapy after knee replacement?Don't Overdo It
Although exercise is the key to healing, you could be backpedaling progress by overworking your knee. Signs of over-exercising include swelling of the entire leg and lingering pain that stretches into the evening or into the next day.
How painful is physical therapy after knee replacement?Physical Therapy after knee replacement surgery
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, it will likely hurt. It shouldn't be excruciating, but knee replacement rehab is notoriously difficult. Your body naturally wants to protect the new joint and it feels better to keep it rested and propped on a pillow.
When should physical therapy start after surgery?Surgery is never easy. It is a stressful and sometimes painful process. However, there is one key thing that you can do after surgery to prevent pain and help speed up your recovery, physical therapy (PT). Today, many surgeons recommend starting PT almost immediately after surgery.
|