Exercises after Knee Replacement

Exercise for knee replacement

Exercising the main muscle groups around the knee is very important both before and after having a total knee replacement.

Exercise regularly, for instance for 10 minutes 6-8 times a day. Do not spend all of your time exercising or your knee may become inflamed, swollen and painful.

It needs a mixture of rest and regular exercise, which will be uncomfortable. These exercises are for the initial period immediately after the operation and many more exercises could be appropriate later.

 

Exercise 1.

Static quadriceps exercise. This exercise can be done when others cannot, such as when you are visiting, standing or just after operation. It activates the large quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh and helps the knee remain stable when it is close to being completely straight.

To perform –have the knee straight, tense up the front muscles of the thigh as if you are trying to straighten the knee and lift the heel. Hold for a few seconds then relax. Try not to tense up the buttock muscles or to try too hard. Sometimes doing the exercise with both legs at the same time will give the affected knee the right idea.

Exercise 2.

Sit with your knee bent over a rolled up towel, high enough to be able to lift the heel off the ground. Tighten up the knee muscles and lift your heel off the ground. Keep your knee firmly down on the roll. Hold for a few seconds, trying to get the heel as high as you can, relax and repeat. People with patellar (kneecap) problems may need to avoid this exercise if it causes pain.

Exercise 3

Straight leg raise

Sit or lie with the leg out straight. Tighten the thigh muscles, straighten the knee and lift the whole leg six inches (15cm) up off the bed or floor. Hold for three seconds then lower slowly.

DO NOT do this if you have a total hip replacement on the same side.

 

Exercise 4

 

Passive knee stretches

Sit or lie with your leg out in front of you. Put the heel up on a block or pillow so that the the knee hangs in mid air. Let the knee stretch for five minutes, or less if it is too painful.

 

Exercise 5

Knee bends on the bed

You can use a board for this exercise, and at home you can use a tray. Keep the heel down on the board and slide the foot towards you, bending the knee. Hold it at the full bend for three seconds then release.

 

Exercise 6

Knee bends in the chair

Sit in a chair with your foot on the ground. Slide the foot firmly towards you and then release. Hold for three seconds each time in the fully bent position. Do not allow your hips to move, just the foot.

 

Click Here to Watch the videos for exercises after Total Knee Replacement