A partial knee replacement entails replacing only the diseased portion of your knee. By replacing only the diseased portion of your knee, surgeons are able to make a smaller incision, damage less tissue and prevent blood loss. As a result, the recovery time for a partial knee replacement tends to be quicker than that of traditional knee replacement surgery. One type of partial knee replacement is an Oxford partial knee replacement. Regardless of the type of knee replacement you are having, pre-operative exercises can help get you back on your feet more quickly. Always consult your doctor before beginning pre-operative knee exercises.
Quad Sets
Developing strength in your knee and the surrounding muscles prior to your surgery will help make your recovery easier and faster. Sit back on your bed or the floor, only if you are able to. Your legs should be fully extended -- or extended as far as they can comfortably go -- with your heels on the bed. Tighten your thigh muscle. Hold this position for five seconds. Relax and repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times per day.
Heel Slides
Heel slides will enable you to work on your range of motion prior to your Oxford partial knee replacement. Sit on your bed, a couch or the floor with your legs extended. Bend the leg of the knee you are about to have surgery on and slide your heel back toward your body. Your foot should be on the ground with your toes facing forward. Hold this position for a count of five. Slide your heel and knee back to the starting position. Complete this exercise 10 times.
Leg Raises
Leg raises help to strengthen your knee and hip prior to surgery. Lie on your bed with your healthy leg bent. Your foot should be flat on the the bed. Your pre-operative leg should remind straight. Tighten the thigh muscles of your pre-op leg and slowly raise your leg approximately 1 foot off of your bed or as high as you can comfortably go. Keep your knee straight and point your toes toward the ceiling. Hold this position for five seconds. Slowly lower your leg. Relax and repeat this exercise 10 times.
Arm Strengthening
After your surgery, you will likely be using crutches or a walker for awhile. It is a good idea to prepare your arms for this. This exercise will also help prepare you for getting up and down following surgery. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your arms on the arm rests. Grasp onto the arm rests and straighten your arms as much as you possibly can. When you straighten your arms, raise your buttocks off of the chair. Sit back down and repeat 10 times.
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