Reclaiming your mobility after undergoing total knee replacement surgery could feel like climbing a mountain, but once you reach the top, the views will make you forget the challenges you faced. Even though the first step may appear challenging, the road to regaining mobility is rewarding.
Your dedication and guidance from the Best Orthopedic Surgeon can help you get your desired lifestyle back. From their guidance on what time is right for your knees to start the physical therapy and what physical therapies are best for you to recover. Some of the top exercises that are recommended by the best orthopedic surgeons allow you to lower the chance of difficulty and help you increase muscle strength and flexibility. Some of the bests are covered in this article to enhance your knowledge and help in your knee replacement recovery.
Some of the Total Knee Replacement Surgery Key Exercises Include:
It is recommended that before starting these exercises, make sure you consult with your orthopedic surgeon for a proper recovery.
The step-by-step guidance is provided below:
Quad Sets
Your quadriceps may weaken following surgery, which could reduce the range of motion in your knee. The Quad Set is one of the first exercises to strengthen your knees again.
How it is done:
To build quadriceps strength, slowly tense the muscles on the front of your thigh.
Ankle Pumps
Raising the tips of your toes and heels might help you become more balanced and strengthen your knees. They improve general mobility, which is vital for standing and walking, and they strengthen the calf muscles.
How it is done:
To start, point and flex your foot to increase blood flow.
Straight Leg Raises
Raising your legs straight improves knee mobility and strengthens your hip flexors and quadriceps.
How it is done:
While lying down, raise your leg straight up to activate your hamstrings and quads.
Towel Slide
Towel slides help you increase knee flexion and improve range of motion.
How it is done:
With a towel wrapped around your foot, lie on your back. To increase the bend in your knee, gently draw the towel in your direction.
Leg Lifts
Leg lifting strengthens your hip muscles, particularly the abductors, which are crucial for stability and walking.
How it is done:
Maintain stability in your hips and pelvis, then slowly raise your upper leg while lying on your side.
Now it is time to gain your strength and endurance back
On the road to your recovery, the physical therapist may specify progressively difficult exercises that will help to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Cycling to improve knee mobility and swimming to reduce impact and strengthen muscles could be part of this. You will be monitored by your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist to ensure that the exercises are helping you in achieving your rehabilitation goals.
Walking
Include mild inclines and gradually increase your walking distance.
Cycling
Begin on a stationary bike and work your way outside as you feel comfortable.
Swimming
While offering a wonderful workout, the buoyancy of the water might assist in lowering knee strain.
Advanced Exercise to Keep Getting Better
As you gain strength and mobility, you can progressively increase the routines' difficulty. These exercises consist of step-ups, controlled squats (under supervision and with the right technique), and balanced motions. In addition to strengthening your knee muscles, these workouts help you become more solid and coordinated overall. But always listen to your body and consult your physical therapist before starting a new fitness routine.
Step-ups
Step-ups are an excellent post-knee replacement exercise to increase leg strength and coordination. They work a variety of muscles and facilitate everyday tasks like climbing stairs.
Squats
If you do shallow squats correctly, you may develop your lower body without putting too much strain on your just-acquired knee. A restricted range of motion and proper posture should be your major priorities.
Balance Exercise
Following a total knee replacement, improving balance is essential. Standing on one leg is one exercise that improves stability, lowers the danger of falling, and boosts confidence in day-to-day tasks.
Do not forget that after a total knee replacement, restoring mobility requires consistent dedication and hard work. Exercises like ankle pumps, quad sets, heel slides, leg lifts, towel slides, step-ups, controlled squats (done correctly), and balance exercises are crucial for building back strength, flexibility, and stability.
During this period of healing, working closely with your best orthopedic surgeon is necessary. They handle any possible issues, offer specialized advice, and can personalize a workout routine as needed.
Thus, one can achieve mobility and live an active lifestyle by adding the recommended exercises which are often provided by the orthopedic surgeons.
Also Read: Hip Replacement vs. Physical Therapy: Which Is Right for You?