If you have had knee replacement surgery, you need to improve the motion of your knee, and build strength once you return home. This helps you get back on your feet quicker so you can return to your daily activities. Your doctor will have you see a physical therapist for a few weeks after surgery.
Below are some exercises they may ask you to do at home, as well as some other helpful information:
Physical Therapist
In many cases, your physical therapist will ask you to use heat treatment before you start doing any exercises. This will help relax the muscles before you start moving them. This will likely be a heating pad. There are also pads you heat in the microwave and then lay on your knee. They may also have you put an ice pack on your knee after the exercises to reduce your pain.
This ice pack is long and covers your knee, as well as the sides. If you continue to feel pain, they may have you use electrical stimulation. This device has small electrodes that are attached to your knee area by a stick substance on the end of them.
They will go over specific exercises you should do at home during your therapy, as well as after your therapy is over. How often and how long you do these exercises will depend on the therapist, as well as your doctor.
At Home Exercises
There are different types of exercises you can do at home. Some of these include:
Ankle Pumps
Lay down in a comfortable area, such as on a bed, so you can lie flat. Bend your ankle so your toes are pointing toward you, and then bend your ankles down so the toes are pointing away from you.
Thigh Squeeze
Push the back of your knee on the floor, and squeeze your thigh muscles as tight as you can. Hold this position for approximately five seconds and then relax.
Heel Slides
Slide your heel towards your buttocks keeping the heel on the floor. Slide your heel back down to where you started. Use something flat and hard under your heel to make this exercise easier.
Leg Slides
Slide the knee you had surgery on out to your side, and then slide it back. Again, use something hard, such as a piece of plastic, under your heel to make it easier for you to slide.
These are just some of the exercises you can do. It is important that you follow the therapist's instructions to ensure you regain your daily activities. To learn more, contact a professional like Joseph P. Spott, DO with any questions you have.
Share19 January 2015
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