Depending on the type of knee surgery you have, you may begin to exercise and stretch almost immediately. However, some surgeries require that you avoid any type of weight-bearing activity, so be sure you fully understand what surgery you are having and the recovery plan your doctor has in mind before you try any exercises. Keep in mind that most knee surgeries require at least a few physical therapy visits to ensure optimal healing.
ACL Surgery
Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, injuries, are the result of either degeneration or sudden twisting movements. While not all tears require surgery, they won't heal on their own without it. If you need ACL surgery, you can typically get up and start walking almost immediately after the surgery. You will need crutches at first, but can generally exercise your leg with simple walking for the first days. As the swelling goes down, work on the range of motion in your knee by sitting down and flexing and bending your knee as far as you can without pain. In addition, focus on strengthening your quadriceps post-op to avoid damaging the meniscus further. You can do this at first with body weight squats, adding dumbbells or a barbell a few weeks or months after surgery, with your doctor's approval.
Knee Microfracture Surgery
Microfracture surgery is another form of cartilage repair, used to manage cartilage damage under the kneecap and avoid knee replacement surgery by creating new cartilage. Because this technique involves damaging the underside of the kneecap to force cartilage creation, exercises and stretches are not advised until six to eight weeks after the surgery. However, to keep the joint mobile, you will need to use a continuous passive motion machine, or CPM. This machine moves your leg through a limited range of motion, typically for six to eight hours each day. You use the machine for about six to eight weeks, until your doctor approves your release to a physical therapist who prescribe specific exercises and stretches based on your injury and recovery process.
Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement requires removing the joint and placing an artificial knee in its place. If you have serious knee damage or significant knee pain, your surgeon may prescribe this surgery. The stretches and exercises for this type of surgery vary, but focus on returning you to normal activity as quickly as possible. Start with walking around your home and normal sitting and standing. As your leg heals, you can take walks around your neighborhood, but may not jog or run. In addition, you can drive once your leg bends sufficiently to sit comfortably and you have enough muscle control to brake and accelerate. A thorough physical therapy regimen includes strengthening your quadriceps muscles and focusing on restoring full movement.
Considerations
Among the largest joints in your body, your knee is prone to wear and tear as well as conditions such as osteoarthritis. You can protect your knees from injury by strengthening the quadriceps muscles -- the muscles at the front of the thigh -- and by running on soft surfaces. Make sure you warm up properly before you engage in activities in which you might twist your knee, such as volleyball, skiing or basketball. Wear shoes that are appropriate to your sport to ensure you're protecting your joints as well.
References
- University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: Torn Meniscus: Conclusion
- University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: Torn Meniscus: Rehabilitation
- MedlinePlus: Knee Microfracture Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
- The Streching Institute: Meniscus Tear and Torn Knee Cartilage
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