Knee replacement surgery alleviates pain and improves mobility. Post-surgery exercise is central to successful recovery, helping individuals regain strength and movement in their new knee and ensuring long-term joint function.
Why Exercise is Essential for Recovery
Exercise is a fundamental component of rehabilitation after knee replacement. Its primary goals include restoring the knee’s range of motion, strengthening surrounding muscles, improving balance, and reducing post-operative swelling and pain. Consistent exercise helps individuals regain independence and perform daily activities.
Physical therapy, often beginning within 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, is designed to enhance recovery and manage discomfort. It helps prevent complications such as blood clots by promoting blood flow and supports the initial healing process. This early engagement lays a strong foundation for the knee’s long-term function and stability.
Exercises for Early Post-Surgery Recovery
Immediately following knee replacement surgery, gentle exercises are introduced to begin restoring basic range of motion and prevent stiffness. These initial movements often start while still in the hospital or soon after discharge. Ankle pumps, where the foot is moved up and down, are commonly recommended to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Another foundational exercise is the heel slide, which involves sliding the heel towards the buttocks while keeping it on the bed, gently bending the knee to increase flexibility and range of motion. Quadriceps sets are performed by tightening the thigh muscles and pressing the back of the knee into the bed, helping to activate and strengthen the quadriceps. Gluteal sets, which involve squeezing the buttock muscles, also contribute to early muscle engagement. These early exercises are important for initial healing and should be performed consistently under professional guidance.
Building Strength and Mobility
Once initial pain and swelling subside, rehabilitation progresses to more challenging exercises focused on building strength, flexibility, and balance. Straight leg raises, performed by lifting the leg a few inches off the surface while keeping the knee straight and thigh muscles tightened, help strengthen the quadriceps and hip flexors. Wall slides or partial squats involve leaning against a wall and slowly bending the knees, providing controlled strengthening of the leg muscles without excessive strain.
Stationary cycling is often introduced as a low-impact activity to improve knee mobility and muscle strength, and can be started with minimal resistance. Balance exercises, such as single-leg stands or heel-to-toe walks, become important as they enhance stability and coordination, which can be impaired after surgery. These progressive exercises are designed to prepare the knee for more demanding daily activities and improve overall functional independence.
Long-Term Exercise and Activity
After the initial rehabilitation period, exercise becomes a long-term strategy for maintaining knee health. Low-impact activities are generally recommended to protect the new joint and ensure its longevity. Walking is a fundamental activity that strengthens the knee, and individuals can gradually increase duration and distance.
Swimming and other water exercises are particularly beneficial because the buoyancy of water reduces stress on the knee joint while providing a full-body workout. Cycling, especially on a stationary bike, remains a recommended low-impact option for cardiovascular health and continued knee flexibility. Consistency in these activities and listening to the body’s signals are important for sustained benefits and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Key Considerations for Safe Exercise
Throughout the entire exercise journey after knee replacement, certain guidelines and precautions are important for safety and recovery. Consulting with a physical therapist or surgeon before starting any new exercise program is important, as they can tailor recommendations to individual needs and progress. It is important to listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain beyond general soreness, as severe pain, increased swelling, or redness can be signs that require medical attention.
Proper warm-up before exercise and cool-down routines afterward help prepare the muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of injury. High-impact activities, such as jogging or jumping, should generally be avoided to prevent excessive stress on the prosthetic joint and preserve its lifespan. Adhering to these safety considerations helps ensure recovery, allowing for a return to desired activities.