Exercises After Knee Arthroscopy

 

There are many instances when knee surgery is necessary. One example of a knee surgery that is very common is a knee arthroscopy. This procedure is used to diagnose and treat a variety of problems in the knee joint. Examples include: a torn anterior or posterior ligament, torn meniscus, out of position patella, torn cartilage, removal of a Baker’s cyst, or treatment for a swollen synovium.

A knee arthroscopy can easily diagnose and treat such issues without requiring extensive incisions and tissue trauma. Arthroscopic procedures involve making very small incisions and inserting a tiny camera into the area to make accurate diagnoses. Along with this, surgeons use miniaturized surgical tools to perform surgery. Through these methods, surgeons can correct a lot of different issues without opening the entire section of the body to gain visual access.

Arthroscopic procedures result in far less tissue trauma, less stitches, lower risk of infection, less pain for the patient in recovery, and a significantly shorter recovery time. A knee arthroscopy is almost always followed up by physical therapy. Once the knee heals to a comfortable degree, your surgeon will recommend starting physical therapy exercises. These will strengthen your knee, increase flexibility, improve mobility, and reduce pain when you move. Physical therapy exercises are a critical component of healing after any surgery, including a knee arthroscopy.

Physical Therapy Exercises After Knee Arthroscopy

There are a lot of physical therapy exercises that can help you heal from a knee arthroscopy. However, before you begin, it’s critical that you consult with your surgeon. Once you get the all-clear, work with a certified physical therapist to perform your physical therapy exercises. Do not perform any exercises without the guidance and approval of your surgeon and physical therapist. Doing incorrect exercises can cause further injury to your knee and lengthen your recovery period.

The exercises you do after your arthroscopic procedure will likely include:

• Hamstring contractions
• Quadricep contractions
• Straight leg raises
• Leg raises

Once you get these exercises down and notice improvement in your pain symptoms and mobility, you will likely include the following exercises in your routine:

• Partial squats
• Quadricep stretch and stands
• Knee bends (partial and single leg)
• Step-ups (forward and lateral)

Once you get good mobility and strength in the knee, you can introduce exercise bike exercises, walking, and eventually speed walking into your exercise routine. Your exercises may differ slightly, depending on the specific arthroscopic procedure you get done, your overall health, and your recovery speed.

Knee Arthroscopy and Physical Therapy

If you are experiencing knee pain or have suffered a knee injury that may require surgery, consider making an appointment with the experts at Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. We regularly perform arthroscopic surgery and offer physical therapy services to assist in your recovery.  We will be by your side from the time you get an accurate diagnosis for your symptoms to when you fully recovery.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (800) 336-2412. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you heal and recovery from your painful condition or injury.