Top Exercises for Total Knee Replacement Patients

 

If you have had or are planning to have a total knee replacement, keep in mind that your treatment won’t end when the surgery is over. Physical therapy is an essential aspect to achieving complete recovery and in regaining your knee function.

Your orthopedic surgeon will work with your physical therapist to help you strengthen your legs and to get your new prosthetic knee working as good as new. Let’s talk about some of the types of exercises you can expect to learn after having total knee replacement surgery, and where you can go in Little Rock to partner with outstanding orthopedic physical therapists.

Physical Therapy Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery

Under the purview of your orthopedic doctor, your physical therapist will show you how to start doing exercises while sitting down and lying down. After regaining some muscle strength, you can gradually progress to standing exercises. Be careful to move properly and avoid straining yourself.

Before attempting any of the exercises mentioned here, consult with your doctor or physical therapist first. Here are some helpful exercises you should be able to perform through your recovery:

Ankle Pumps

1. Lie down flat on your back, or sit on a chair.
2. With the leg that had the surgery, roll your ankle and point your toes upward toward your face (if lying down) or toward the ceiling (if sitting). If you are sitting, keep your heel on the floor. This contracts your calf muscle.
3. Next, roll your ankle downward, pointing your toes away from you.
4. Do those same exercises with the other foot and ankle. You can do the exercises with both feet simultaneously or alternating – it’s your choice.
5. Repeat these exercises in a rhythmic pattern for about three minutes, two times a day.

Quadriceps Sets

1. Lie down flat on your back while keeping your legs straight and comfortable.
2. Push your knee down slowly and carefully, tightening your thigh in the process. Hold this position between five and 10 seconds. This is essentially “locking your knee,” but it is unharmful because it does not last very long.
3. Do this same exercise with the other knee. You can do this with both knees simultaneously or alternating – it’s your choice.
4. Do the exercise ten times per set, for two sets a day.

Heel Slides/Knee Bends

1. Lie down flat on your back with your legs straight in front of you.
2. Slide the heel of your affected knee toward your buttocks carefully and in a controlled manner along the floor.
3. Do the same exercise with the other foot/knee.
4. Do the exercise ten times per set, for two sets a day.

Gluteal Sets

1. Lie down flat on your back while keeping your legs straight and comfortable.
2. Squeeze your glute muscles (buttocks) together for a few seconds.
3. Do the exercise ten times per set, for two sets a day.
4. Regulate your breathing when performing the exercise, and make sure not to hold your breath.

Total Knee Replacement in Little Rock, AR

If you’re experiencing knee pain or knee arthritis, the medical team of Dr. William Hefley is here to provide the full range of orthopedic services, from your total knee replacement surgery to physical therapy and beyond. Dr. Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise on advanced joint replacement techniques, and he would be glad to explain your options and help you achieve knee pain relief.

Call us today at (800) 336-2412 or use our secure online form to request an appointment. We have locations in Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas, and we look forward to serving you from diagnosis to recovery!