Pre-surgery and post-surgery knee exercises reduce pain, increase range of motion and help the patient return to normal functioning. Most orthopedists and physical therapists prescribe these exercises on a case by case basis, which takes into account the patient's recovery rate, the type of surgery and the patient's previous fitness level. Some, however, are standard and used in almost all surgical procedures.
Quad Sets
Quad sets are a standard, pre and post knee surgery exercise. After a knee injury, swelling prevents full extension in the back of the leg. If the patient fails to regain complete range of motion, she will not be able to return to normal functioning. Quad sets are a basic, yet important, exercise for knee surgery recovery. Sit in an upright position, with your legs extended in front of you. Press the back of your knee toward the floor. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Relax for five seconds and repeat. Perform two sets of 10 repetitions
Heel Slides
While some people have trouble regaining post knee surgery extension, others have trouble flexing or bending the knee. The supine heel slide uses a towel for assistance. Sit in an upright position, and wrap a towel around the foot of your injured leg. Hold each end with each hand. Pull on the towel, and slide the heel along the floor, bending your knee. Pull the leg in to the point of mild discomfort, and then slide the leg back to the starting position. Perform two sets of 10 repetitions.
Inner Thigh LIfts
The MCL or medial collateral ligament is the ligament that supports the inner part of your knee. MCL tears often accompany an ACL or anterior cruciate injury, and MCL laxity makes the patient susceptible to re-injury. Inner thigh strengthening is therefore an important part of knee surgery exercise. Lie on the side of your injured leg. Extend your leg, bend your top leg, and place your top foot in front of your bottom leg. Contract your inner thigh, and lift your bottom leg. Perform 20 repetitions.
Stationary Bike
The stationary bike facilitates leg flexion and extension. Therapists usually tell their patients to pedal for five minutes in the forward and five minutes in the backward direction. Physical therapist Karen Hambly, a senior lecturer in sports therapy at the University of Kent at Medway, explains that the bike is a "knee friendly" form of rehabilitation, which alleviates pain, restores range of motion and strengthens the muscles that support the knee. She suggests using a saddle height that allows your leg to be almost straight, but with a slight bend.
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