Knee Exercises After Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a non-surgical ligament reconstruction used to treat chronic pain. A dextrose, or sugar water, solution is injected into the ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This causes inflammation and increased blood flow, which stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. Knee exercises can be done two to three days after prolotherapy, or when the patient feels ready to begin exercising, according to Ross A. Hauser, M.D.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight leg raises work the quadriceps and the knee without putting stress on the joints. This exercise can be done soon after prolotherapy because it is not strenuous or weight-bearing. Start by lying on your back. Tighten your right thigh muscle, keeping your leg straight. Lift your leg several inches off the floor and hold for five to 10 seconds. Lower and repeat until your leg is fatigued. Repeat the exercise with the left leg. This exercise can be done on the floor, a mat or lying on your bed. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends this exercise after knee surgery.

Standing Knee Bends

Standing knee bends should only be done when the patient feels ready to start exercising. This exercise exerts body weight force on the knee because it is performed in a standing position. Stand straight, keeping good posture, and support your body by holding onto a chair, using a walker or using crutches. Lift your right thigh and bend your knee as much as possible without pain. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then straighten your knee and touch the floor heel-first. Repeat five times and then perform this exercise with the left leg.

Pilates Criss Cross

Pilates exercises can be modified to meet specific physical therapy and rehabilitative needs, according to an article published in the 2007 issue of the "Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases." The Pilates criss cross is done using a mat, lying face-up. Bring your knees up so your feet are flat on the floor. With your arms at your sides, lift your knees and feet off the floor with your thighs perpendicular to the floor and bend the knees so your calves are parallel to the floor. Lift your head toward your knees and place your right hand on your right ankle and your left hand on your right knee. Straighten the left leg so that it is at a 45-degree angle to your body. Next, reverse your hands and grab the other knee and ankle and straighten the right leg to a 45-degree angle. Keep rotating for 30 repetitions.

Stair Climbing

Climbing stairs requires knee strength and flexibility, and is recommended by the AAOS. If you still have some knee pain, start slowly, using the handrail when climbing and descending stairs. This exercise can be done at various intervals throughout the day, which will maintain the circulation and blood flow to the injured knee. Increased circulation and blood flow bring important healing nutrients to the knee, aiding in fast recovery.