Rehab exercises are critical to how quickly and completely you can recover after knee surgery. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on type, quantity and duration of rehab exercise after knee surgery. By doing different types of exercises, such as stretching and strength training, you can progressively advance as you heal. It is essential to stick with the rehab regimen to achieve the best results.
Basic Stretching
Begin with non-weight-bearing stretching until your knee can support your body weight. Doing stretching exercises while sitting in a chair, on a bed or on the floor is an option when you begin knee rehab exercises. While sitting, extend your leg slowly and repeat until you feel stable enough to do more advanced exercises.
Advanced Stretching
Try stretches from a standing position. Use a chair or table for balance as needed. A popular exercise for knee surgery rehab includes the quadriceps stretch. While standing on one leg, bend the other leg toward your back side. Stretch as far as you can without pain and hold the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds.
Strength
Start strength exercises for knee surgery rehab by using your own body as a weight. Begin with your own body weight before progressing to adding free weights or weight machines. Stand on one foot and slowly squat. Keep your knee at an angle of 90 degrees or less, and use a chair to hold on for balance if needed. Slowly increase the number of repetitions over time.
Cardio
Walking is a advanced knee rehab exercise. It increases knee strength after surgery by strengthening the joint as well as increasing the endurance of the knee. Interval training with walking can be quite effective. Walk slowly for one minute, and then walk faster for 10 seconds. Then go back to walking slow for one minute. Gradually increase the intensity by increasing the power-walking times.
Water Exercises
Most traditional knee surgery rehab exercises can be done in the water. This reduces the weight-bearing component of the exercise and adds some light, evenly distributed resistance from the water. Water activities that require knee endurance include aqua aerobics, aqua jogging and swimming. Water therapy can be an important part of a well-rounded knee surgery rehab program.
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