Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery

Exercises after a knee replacement surgery are important to return the individual to a fully functioning life. The exercises have an intended purpose of increasing knee motion and strengthening the muscles surrounding the artificial knee. The ultimate purpose of exercises after a knee replacement surgery is to increase the functioning level of both the total knee and the individual's lifestyle.

Isometrics

• Exercises after a knee replacement need to strengthen the area around the knee implant. Strong surrounding muscles help support the articifial joint. Isometrics are recommended for muscle strengthening. All exercises in this section are to be done while laying down. Buttocks: Tighten the buttocks. Hold for five seconds. Release. Repeat. Quadriceps: Tighten the quadricep and perform the same routine of holding, releasing and repeating. Another variation of a quadriceps (thigh) set involves tightening the thigh muscles while pushing the back of your knee into the surface (such as bed). You can work the calf area by tightening, holding, and releasing. Repeat.

Leg Raising

• While lying on your back, bend your nonsurgical leg at the knee. Keep your knee replacement leg straight. With your leg straight, raise the entire leg up off your bed. Slowly lower the leg to the bed. Relax. Repeat. Knee extension can be done on your knee replacement leg through an exercise known as terminal knee extension. Lay down, put your knees over a rolled up towel. Raise your knee replacement side foot until your knee is straight. Hold. Gently return to original position. Repeat.

Slides

• While lying down, perform a heel slide. Slide your heel up toward your buttocks, then slide it back down. Keep your foot flat on the surface. This exercise will cause you to bend your knee. Do not lift your heel from the bed. Repeat. Perform an ankle slide by pulling your toes toward your knee. You should feel the back of your hamstring stretch. Another variation is known as an ankle circle. While lying down, move your ankle in a circular manner. An ankle pump can be done by pointing your toes and foot away from you then pulling your toes and foot back up, with your toes pointing towards your body. Repeat.

Sitting Exercises

• Two forms of knee flexion exercises can be done while sitting in a chair. While sitting in a firm chair, make sure your hips are level. Slide your heel back as far as your knee will allow. Then, straighten your knee and extend your leg forward as far as possible. A variation involves crossing your nonsurgical leg over your operated leg. Have your nonsurgical leg push your knee replacement leg back to bend the knee. Hold. Relax. Repeat.