After knee replacement surgery, the right kind of exercise is important to help the new joint regain range of motion and strength. However, preoperative exercises are just as important. According to a study published in the October 2006 issue of the "Journal of Arthritis Care and Research," patients who completed an exercise program 6 weeks prior to surgery reduced their recovery time and postoperative symptoms and gained strength back faster than patients who did not exercise prior to surgery. A physician or physical therapist can provide guidelines.
Seated Leg Extension
Do seated leg extensions to help improve knee range of motion and flexibility. This is important because following a well-designed exercise program before knee replacement surgery can enhance recovery, according to the Allina Hospital web page. Part of this program should be focused on maintaining as much range of motion in the knee as possible. Seated leg extensions can help. Sit up straight in a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Tighten the right quadriceps muscle (top front of the thigh) and extend the right leg out to the front, straightening the knee as much as possible. There should be a stretch in the back of the leg (hamstrings). Then lower down slowly. Next, slide the right heel back and under the chair until there is a stretch in the knee and in the quadriceps. Then slide the foot back out. Do 8 to 12 repetitions on the right leg, and then repeat with the left. Move slowly, with control and focus on straightening and bending the knee a little more with each repetition. Avoid just swinging the leg through the motion.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Start walking to keep the hips and knees mobile. According to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital website, patients who exercised before surgery were often able to skip having to stay in a rehabilitation center after knee replacement surgery. While much more research is needed, going into surgery stronger reduces recovery time and improves outcome. Part of a preoperative exercise program should include cardiovascular or aerobic exercises. These types of exercises keep the joints mobile and improve overall health and endurance. Both can help the body recovery from surgery faster. Examples of cardiovascular exercises are walking, water exercise if land exercise is too painful, or stationary bicycling. The goal is to aim for 30 minutes on as many days as possible. This can be done in one 30-minute session or broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day. For best results, an exercise program should begin at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. However, the sooner it is started the better, and some improvements can be made with less time as well.
Chair Press Up
Strengthen the arms as well before surgery. Even if the knee is strengthened prior to surgery, there will be a period of recovery until the new joint is fully functional. For a while after surgery, it may be difficult to get up out of a chair or off the toilet until the knee is better. In addition, walking with crutches or a cane may be required for a short period. For this reason, the Wright Medical Technology website recommends doing a chair press exercise to strengthen the arms. Sit up straight at the edge of a chair with arms and place your hands on the arms of the chair. Press into the arms of the chair, and without using the legs try to lift the buttocks up off the chair and straighten the elbows. Then lower slowly all the way back down. Do not lock the elbows when coming up and do not just drop back down into the chair. Do this exercise slowly and with control for about 8 to 12 repetitions.
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