Knee Flexor Stretches for Amputees

Exercise is important for healing after below-the-knee amputation as it helps reduce and prevent contractures. Contractures cause the shortening or tightening of muscles in the hip, leg and knee after amputation, and if not prevented, may inhibit the use of a prosthetic limb in the future. Knee flexor exercises are often started immediately after amputation surgery, or as soon as medically possible. Sticking with a good stretching routine even after you’re released from the hospital is important for keeping your muscles, tendons and hip and knee joints in good working order.

Hamstring Stretch

• Your hamstrings are located behind the thigh and run to the knee joint. Keeping your hamstring stretched on your amputated side will help you retain mobility of your knee, and aids in better movement and ambulation once you’re fitted with a prosthetic limb. Sit against the arm of a couch or sofa and point your amputated leg in front of you, on the cushions. Allow your other leg to rest comfortably to the side with your foot on the floor. Gradually lean forward with your upper body over your amputated limb, until you feel resistance in the back of your extended leg. This resistance, or slight pulling sensation, is your hamstring stretching. Hold the position for a five-count and slowly lean back to the starting position. Repeat five to six times.

Prone Stretch

• Lying on your stomach, or prone, is an easy way to stretch your hip and knee. Lie on the floor or your bed and place a rolled towel beneath the thigh on your amputated side, right above the knee. Allow your leg to rest comfortably and relaxed on the towel. Simply rest for 10 to 20 minutes. This allows the muscles in your leg and hip to loosen. Then, attempt to stretch the knee joint straight out behind you, or as straight as you can manage. Hold this position for a five-count and then relax your knee. Repeat five times.

Supine Stretch

• Lying in a supine, or face-up, position helps facilitate another stretch of the hamstring but also the hip and knee. Lie on your bed, or the floor, as flat as you comfortably can, and raise your amputated limb toward the ceiling. Keep the knee joint as straight as possible. Raise your limb as high as you can and hold for a five-count before slowly lowering your limb back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. Aurora Healthcare advises that you may also bend both legs toward the chest while lying supine. Then, grip the back of the thigh on your non-amputated side, and slowly lower your amputated limb back toward the ground. Do 10 repetitions.

Considerations

• Contractures are extremely difficult to treat once they set in, according to the Amputee Coalition. Stretching alone will not reverse contractures, so prevention is key. A good stretching routine should be part of a total regimen that includes physical activity and daily exercise to keep the hip joint, and limb muscles fluid. Your physical therapist should be able to help you create an overall plan, including knee flexor stretches, to keep you headed in the right direction.