Best Exercises Following A Knee Replacement.

Knee replacement is a painful surgery but it is all worth it as it reduces the daily pain of the patient and one feels easy to move around. But one of the biggest mistakes people commit after a knee replacement is to avoid exercising and taking sessions too lightly whereas it should be vice-versa. 

For knee replacement Chennai also quoted that they recommend their patients to exercise even more after the surgery so that the body adapts to the new knee fully.

Also, if one is exercising post-surgery then it must be noted that the exercises pre and post-surgery are very different. Pre-surgery exercises are to reduce pain whereas post-surgery exercises are to heal the knee. So here is a full guide of best exercises following a knee replacement.

1. Knee pushdowns

The simples exercise which can be performed while being at home. Just lie down on the ground and keep a rolled towel below your ankles. Make sure to you follow all these steps else it can cause excessive pain. Now press the knees towards the ground and hold for a few seconds.

This would tighten your leg muscles. Repeat this exercise 25-30 times daily. If it starts to pain, don't push yourself and either reduce the holding time or reduce the repetition rounds.

2. Heel slides

This exercise plays a key role in avoiding your knee to face stiffness after surgery. It can be painful as one needs to bend the knee in 'Heel slides' but this is the only way to repair the damaged tissues. The Best knee replacement surgeon in Chennai says that the only difference between a replaced knee and a normal knee is the range of motion which can be regained by exercising 'Heel slides' daily.

To perform this exercise, lie on the floor with your back straight. Keep both your legs straight and slowly bend the operated knee and try to bring it closer to your buttocks. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and then release it. Note that try to bend only till the position your knee doesn't pain. This would improve the flexibility of the operated knee and bring it into motion.

3. Stationary cycle

This cardio exercise strengthens the muscles and makes the new knee stable. The stationary cycle or bike is recommended than normal cycle after the surgery because they are safer as compared to normal cycling or running. You can cycle as long as you want (until it starts paining) but on average, the normal span to cycle should be of 25-30 minutes. 

The only thing to focus while cycling is to put downward pressure on the pedal. The pressure must be calculative and should not hurt the knee. This should be practiced after a few weeks of the surgery.

4. The Clam

This is a hip exercise. After knee replacement surgery, hips play a crucial role in stabilizing the knee. This exercise is also known as hip strengthening. In this simple exercise, lie sidewards and bend your knees. Now lift the upper knee. 

Make your that the feet do not move and only the knee is lifted. Lift till a position it doesn't pressurize your knee and hip muscles and hold the position for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this exercise a couple of times a day.

These are the few exercises that may be beneficial post-surgery. But it is prescribed to consult doctors once following an exercise regime so that to get tailored guidance. Also, don't push yourself and listen to your body. Each person heals at its own pace and that routine should not be disturbed.

FORTIS MALAR HOSPITAL CHENNAI

Address: No. 52, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020

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