Physical Therapy and Knee Exercises
KNEE REPLACEMENT FACT
There are more than 400,000 total knee replacements in the United States each year.
Physical therapy is the most important role in your recovery process after knee replacement surgery. It’s important that you begin exercising as soon as possible to avoid atrophy and other complications. Your doctor and physical therapist will prescribe a number of low-impact exercises that are designed to increase the strength and mobility of your knee. You will be told how many repetitions to complete of each exercise and how many times a day to go through the routine. Some examples of exercises you may be required to do include:
- Ankle Pumps
- Glut Sets
- Short Arc Quad/Extension
- Quad Sets/Extension
- Heel Slides
- Hip Abduction
- Straight Leg Raise
- Quadricep Extension
- Knee Flexion
- Knee Extension
Download Total Knee Group Exercises: Home Exercise Program.
In general, physical therapy lasts four to six weeks. It is important to adhere to the exercise regimen prescribed by your doctor. There may be times when it feels like you’re “not getting anywhere” in your therapy because you don’t feel much in the way of improvement and/or decrease in pain. This is normal; the healing process takes time. Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. Ask for help if you need it. Talk to your physical therapist about your concerns. Also, friends and family members can be helpful during your recovery process.