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Knee Replacement Exercises
Please send me information reg. post surgery knee replacement exercise
(16 Apr 2010)
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Knee replacement surgery can mean either complete or partial replacement. The types of exercise and the amount of time spent exercising will vary according to the type of surgery and each individual case. In most cases, you would be required to stay in hospital for about five days after your surgery.
You will first require parallel bars, crutches, and then a walker to help support your body weight. It generally takes about 2 months to get back on your feet. You will need to work along with your physical therapist to ensure that you are back on your feet within a minimal amount of time. You will also need to go in for regular check-ups with your doctor who will be able to monitor your progress and detect any possible complications.
Before you start a rigorous exercise regimen you will need to start walking. Walking is one of the most important aspects of a post knee replacement surgery exercise regimen. Make sure that you do not hunch over your walker and when walking, your heel should touch the floor before your toes do. In the same way, as you lift your leg up for your next step, your toes will first left off the floor before your heel. Climbing stair is another excellent method to strengthen your muscles and ensure faster recovery. Do not opt for stairs that are more than 7 inches in height and have someone on hand to ensure that you do not fall. Standing knee bends require you to use a walker, lift your thigh and then bend your knee as much as you can. Do not try to start this exercise without the approval of your therapist as you can cause severe damage to your knee. You can then move on to straight leg raises and ankle pumps which will help to strengthen your thigh muscles and increase your endurance levels. You will also need to include knee straightening exercises and knee bends. Before you try unsupported knee bends, you will have to spend some time with supported knee bends. Bed supported knee bends, followed by sitting supported knee bends would be ideal options. Once your therapist and your doctor feel that your knee joint is strong enough for resistance training, you will need to work with weights strapped around your ankle. In most cases, people start these exercises about 1 month after they begin their post-op exercise routine.
You will need to talk to your doctor and your physiotherapist before you resume your normal lifestyle.
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answered by a on 16 Apr 2010, 7:16:49
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