Total Knee Replacement Exercises

Knee joint is considered to be one of the largest joints in human body. Hence, any surgery in which knee joint is operated upon has to be completed with utmost precision. Recovery period is considered to be a very important stage of the whole knee joint treatment. A number of exercises are suggested by the orthopedic surgeon that should be performed essentially after the surgery. These total knee replacement exercises could be suggested by a physiotherapist.

Regular exercise regime after the surgery

A regular exercise regime is essential to recover properly from a total knee replacement surgery. This is a major surgery in which blood clotting, swelling and stiffness can occur after the surgery. Hence the patient should follow the routine of exercises. Orthopedic surgeon or the physical therapist can recommend a total of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise and a 30 minute walk. Exercise regime could be changed by the physical therapist depending on the merit of the case.

Types of postoperative Knee Replacement Exercises

A physical therapist can recommend a number of different types of exercises depending upon the requirements of the knee joint of the patient. Time and efforts for total knee replacement exercises should be strictly followed by the patient in order to recover in an efficient manner.

Walking as a Knee Replacement Exercise

Walking has been considered the best exercise in the recovery period. Depending on the stability of the knee joint, surgeon or the physical therapist would tell the patient about the walking style. The patient can walk with the help of a walker. The patient should walk smoothly in the initial period and can subsequently walk and stand for ten or more minutes.

Stair Climbing

Stair climbing and descending is advised in the later stages of the recovery period. Since stair climbing and descending require more strength, physical therapist suggest a number of other light exercises before advising the patient to go for stair climbing. This total knee replacement exercises is primarily to regain the strength and the endurance. But the patient should not take undue risk and follow the exercise rhythmically.

Straight Leg Raises

This exercise is advised in the initial days of the recovery period. Here the patient has to tighten the thigh muscle and has to straighten the legs on the bed and then slowly raise the legs few inches above the bed surface.

Knee straightening

While performing this total knee replacement exercises, the patient has to fully straighten the back of the knee joint and try to touch the knee back to the bed surface. The patient has to tighten the thigh muscles in this exercise. A rolled towel could be kept under the heel so as to provide support.

Quadriceps

This is the easiest exercise among all the total knee replacement exercises. The patient has to tighten the thigh muscles, straighten the knee and hold the leg in this position for five to ten seconds. This is advised during the first few days of the recovery period. Physical therapist can suggest a number of other total knee replacement exercises depending upon the requirement of the patient.