Physiotherapy exercises after knee replacement surgery
Physiotherapy exercises after knee replacement surgery:cPhysiotherapy exercises are really very important to perform after knee replacement surgery. These are helpful in retaining mobility and providing enough support for the artificial new knee joint. But it is important to understand the right physiotherapy exercises that a person can perform.
Most people are not aware of physiotherapy exercises after knee replacement surgery, and they are entirely dependent on the physiotherapist for them. Depending on a physiotherapist is not wrong, but sometimes it is important that a person is aware of how to do things on their own. To help you out with it, here we are sharing some of the best exercises to do after knee replacement surgery to deal with pain and retain mobility.
Along with that, we would like to let you know about Dr. Lalit Modi in Jaipur. He is one of the best knee replacement surgeon in Jaipur. Anyone can approach him to get treatment for knee related problems they are facing. In case there is any need for replacement, he will consider it; otherwise, medication is the option he suggests.
Keep reading till the end to find out about the right exercises that you can perform after knee replacement surgery. Let’s have a look!
Exercises to do after knee replacement surgery
In this section, we will help you to know about the exercises that one can do after surgery and these are as follows:
· Quad squeezes (early recovery):
This easy exercise doesn’t involve any leg movement. It can be done with a towel that is used as an optional prop.
- Lie on the floor or in bed with your ankle extended. Bend your healthy knee up against your chest with the sole of your foot facing up. If you’re trying to straighten your leg, having the unaffected leg bent will help. This reflex helps activate the quads so that they can extend the injured knee.
- The most important part of opening your knee back up is being careful to bend it the right way, which requires slightly bending the knee joint. In this case, using a towel can make the process more comfortable.
- You’ll need to gently push the knee down as you lie on your quad shell.
- Train your muscles using muscle contractions. Make each squeeze count and try to fully release your muscles between squeezes to make them more efficient over time.
- Contracting and releasing the muscle creates a more active muscle so it can circulate blood more effectively and make it work harder.
· Short arc quads (early recovery)
It’s recommended that you have a rolled-up towel for this exercise.
- Lie on your back with your unaffected knee bent and the rolled-up towel under your new knee. Your new knee could be slightly bent.
- Press your knee into the towel roll to increase the level of pressure.
- Lift the heel off the floor without lifting the knee off of the towel.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then lower your heel to the lowest position as you step.
Quad squeezes and short arc improvements are similar in movement but differ in practise. Both exercises improve the strength of muscles, which is beneficial for a variety of purposes, including athletic performance.
· Step-ups (3 to 6 weeks)
Stairs are recommended for this exercise, but if you do not have a set available, try reaching up to the edge of a sturdy counter or sink to provide the appropriate grip.
- Stand upright and place one hand firmly on the handrail.
- Bend the operated leg and put your foot on the lowest step.
- Place your foot on the step in front of you while straightening your lower leg and knee, simultaneously engaging your glutes and quad muscles.
- Hold for a few seconds.
- Slowly lower yourself onto your knees, gradually bending your way back into the starting position.
Going slowly will allow you to build muscle, endurance, and control. Remembering to do the exercise without falling is better than doing it quickly and then discovering that you fell.
· Straight leg raises (2 to 4 weeks)
Start with your nonsurgical leg bent, laying flat on your back, then straighten your recovering leg.
- Tighten the quad to straighten the new knee.
- Keeping your knee straight, lift the recovering leg straight up into the air.
- Keep the thighs parallel to each other for about two to three seconds.
- Slowly lower your leg in a controlled manner so it touches the ground before your knee does.
Engage your core muscles before performing each leg raise. This will improve your overall fitness and stability, giving you a stronger base for walking on a new knee. To avoid pain, healing will take a few weeks after knee replacement.
· Wall squats (6 weeks or more after surgery)
Squats are a great way to maintain strength in your quad muscles as well as your glute and calf muscles.
- Stand with your back against a wall and place your feet at the appropriate distance.
- Slide your back down the wall by slowly bending your knees to a 45° angle, or to whatever depth works the quads without any pain. Hold this position for 5 seconds.
- Activate your quadriceps, hip flexors, and glute muscles to straighten out your knees and maintain correct posture.
A healthcare provider may recommend that you do short, shallow squats while holding on to a countertop in front of you.
The following are the exercises that you can perform after knee replacement surgery. It is advisable to perform them under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will help you to know whether you are performing the exercise in the correct posture or not. If there is anything related to posture that needs to be corrected, he will let you know about it!
FAQ: Physiotherapy exercises after knee replacement surgery
Q.1 – For how long do I need to go for physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery?
Answer – After knee replacement surgery for almost 10 to 12 weeks, a person is supposed to go for physiotherapy.
Q.2 – Do I need to take any particular medication during the physiotherapy session?
Answer – Most doctors do not suggest any medication during the physiotherapy session. But if you are dealing with constant and unbearable pain, they may suggest some painkillers.
Q.3 – Who is the best doctor for knee replacement surgery in Jaipur?
Answer – Dr. Lalit Modi is the best doctor for knee replacement surgery in Jaipur.
Q.4 – Do I need to make any particular changes to my schedule after knee replacement surgery?
Answer – Yes, a patient needs to make some necessary changes to their schedule after knee replacement surgery. These changes are important to deal with other changes happening in the body.
Q.5 – Do I need to make dietary changes after knee replacement surgery?
Answer – Dietary changes are important because they helps people deal with the additional pain they may face during the recovery period. The dietician and health care provider will suggest the same.
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