Home program exercises for prosthetics both strengthen and stretch the affected area. While many joints can be replaced with prosthetics, hip, knee and shoulder replacements are the most common. To speed your recuperation process, you should perform therapeutic exercises daily, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Check with your doctor first, however, to ensure that the exercises you plan to work on are appropriate in your situation.
Isometrics
Isometrics will strengthen any muscle involved in prosthetic surgery, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. For knee and hip prosthetics, quadriceps tensing is recommended. To perform this exercise, tighten the thigh muscle on your surgical leg. Hold this tension for six seconds, then release. Repeat this exercise five times throughout the day.
Buttock-strengthening exercises help support your leg and hip muscles. To perform them, lie on your back and tighten your buttocks muscles. Hold for five seconds, then release. Repeat five times throughout the day.
For your shoulder, do a sitting adduction. Sit upright in a firm chair, and place a small pillow between your body and the affected arm. Press your arm against the pillow. Hold for five seconds, then release. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Ankle Pumps
Stretch your leg muscles after a hip, knee or ankle prosthetic surgery by doing ankle pumps. Ankle pumps help prevent blood clots by keeping your blood circulating. You can do this exercise either sitting or lying down.
Extend your leg. Slowly move your ankle as if pressing on a car accelerator. Pump your ankle away from you. Hold this position for one second, return your ankle to the upright position and then relax for two seconds. Bring your ankle up toward your body. Hold this position for one second, then return your ankle to the original position. Pump your ankle five times. Repeat this exercise three times throughout the day.
Leg Raises
Strengthen your affected leg by doing standing leg raises. First, find a sturdy chair to use for balance. Place your nonsurgical side against the back of the chair, holding onto the chair with the hand opposite your surgical leg. Slowly lift your surgical leg forward, keeping your knee straight. Slowly return your leg to the original position. Repeat this exercise five times. As your strength increases, add a 1-lb. ankle weight.
You can also stretch your knee by doing passive knee stretches. Sit with your surgical leg extended and a pillow underneath your heel. Your knee will be unsupported. Let your knee stretch naturally in this position for three to five minutes.
Shoulder Abductions
Strengthen your shoulder by doing shoulder abductions. Sit upright and slowly raise your surgical arm out to the side. Keep your elbow straight and your palm facing down. Hold for 10 seconds, then slowly return to original position. Repeat this exercise three times.
To stretch your shoulder, perform the "wall walk." Stand facing a wall, then lift your surgical arm and place your fingers on the wall. Keep your elbow straight. Walk your fingers up the wall, stretching as far as possible. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, then slowly return your arm to the original position. Repeat this exercise three times.
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