Knee Replacement Therapy Procedures

Osteoarthritis or a severe trauma to the knee joints is what usually warrants a total knee replacement. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), over 500,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the United States. Following knee surgery, therapy and exercises need to be performed rigorously so the joint's range of motion can return to normal.

Walking Aids

• Immediately following the surgery the doctor will usually recommend using walking aids to help get a patient moving again. Crutches, walkers or other aids can be used to help begin walking, and these may even be necessary for several weeks when a patient returns home.

  The main function of walking aids like crutches or walkers is to ease the pressure that's placed on the operated knee. The doctor will recommend a limited amount of pressure on the knee joint for the first few weeks after surgery; follow his orders or you may find yourself having more difficulty than before the surgery.

Knee-Straightening Exercises

• There are several knee therapy exercises that can be performed while laying horizontally on a bed. Straight leg raises can be done by tightening the thigh muscles while attempting to straighten the knee and then raising the leg several inches off the bed and slowly lowering it again. Quadricep exercises are done in the same way except without raising and lowering the leg.

  Knee extension exercises can be performed by first placing a small rolled up towel or pillow underneath the ankle of the operated limb. Tighten the thigh muscles, straighten the leg, and attempt to bring the back of the knee down to the bed surface completely and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

  A similar exercise is performed by placing the towel or a full-size pillow underneath the knee so that the knee is raised approximately 30 to 40 degrees. From this position, try to gradually straighten the knee and hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds before relaxing.

Knee Bend Exercises

• Knee bend exercises are important for increasing range of motion following knee surgery. The ultimate goal with knee bend exercises and knee replacement therapy is to regain the ability to bend the knee at a 90-degree angle or more depending on specific abilities before surgery.

  One simple knee bend exercise can be performed while laying on the bed. While the leg is straight out in front of the body, slide the foot back towards the buttocks while increasing the angle of the knee. Hold this position for a few seconds and then lower the leg; do several repetitions daily. Assisted knee bends can also be performed in a similar manner with the help of a towel pulling the knee to gradually increase range of motion.

  Knee bend exercises can also be performed while sitting at the bedside or on a chair by using the un-operated leg to assist.

Walking Activity

• It's important that a knee replacement therapy routine include daily activities in the weeks and months following surgery. Immediately following surgery, limit the amount of walking outdoors and focus only on knee exercises and walking activity in the house to give the knee and leg a chance to heal. As a patient progress further in therapy, setting goals is important, such as walking around the block once per day or using the stairs successfully.

Heat and Ice

• Both heat and ice are important for knee replacement therapy procedures. Ice can be used to decrease pain and swelling that results from the surgery, as well as from any knee or leg exercises that are performed. Heat is also good for loosening up the muscles and can be applied just before performing daily knee and leg therapy exercises.