Knee replacement surgery is usually done if you have severe arthritis or any condition that makes it difficult for you to walk. If you are planning to get a knee replacement done or have already done it, exercises will help to restore the strength and motility of your knee. They also hasten your joint’s recovery after the surgery
Right after the surgery, the physiotherapist will advise some rehab exercises to help you climb stairs, walk, and carry out other daily chores.
The main aims of knee replacement exercises are:
- Restoring the knee movement
- Strengthening your leg
- Helping to walk with the new knee
Knee Replacement Exercises
Exercises will help to improve the blood circulation to your limbs and prevent blood clots. They will also improve the knee movement and strengthen your muscles. Some of the exercises are:
Straight Leg Raises
Tighten up the thigh muscles and fully straighten the knee. Now, lift your leg several inches above the bed and hold for 5 – 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Continue this till your thighs are fatigued.
Alternatively, you can also do this exercise while sitting. Tighten the thigh muscles and straighten your knee. Now, hold it in this position unsupported for 5 – 10 seconds. Continue this till your thighs are fatigued.
Quadriceps Sets
To perform this exercise, tighten up the thigh muscles. Now, try to straighten the knee and hold for 5 – 10 seconds. You can repeat this exercise 10 times, followed rest for a minute. Continue this till your thighs are fatigued.
Knee Straightening Exercises
Place a rolled cloth or a small towel between your heel and the bed. Now, tighten the thighs and straighten your knee. Try to hold the fully straightened knee for 5 – 10 seconds.
Continue this till your thighs are fatigued.
Ankle Pumps
For executing this exercise, move your foot up and down by contracting the shin and calf muscles. You can continue this for 2 – 3 minutes. This exercise can be continued until the swelling subsides and you regain complete functioning of the knee.
Knee Bends
There are various ways of performing this exercise. Let’s have a look at them:
- Sitting unsupported knee bends: Sit on the bedside or chair with your thighs unsupported. Now, bend your knee until the foot touches the floor. You can slide your body to increase the knee bend. Hold this position for 5 – 10 seconds. Straighten the knee. You can do this till your thighs get fatigued.
- Sitting supported knee bends: Sit on the bedside or chair with your thighs supported (foot behind the heel for support). Now, bend the knee as much as you can. Hold this position for 5 – 10 seconds. You can do this till your thighs get fatigued.
- Bed supported knee bends: While lying, slide the foot towards your arse so that your knee is bent. Place the hell on the bed and hold this position for 5 – 10 seconds. You can do this till your thighs get fatigued.
In case you are not noticing any change after these exercise or feeling any discomfort, kindly consult your physiotherapist.
Find out advanced physiotherapy clinics in Ottawa.