Whether you've just had a partial or total knee replacement, you should get up and moving as soon as possible. Gradual weight bearing and movement encourages healing, strengthening and support of the new joint. Exercise also encourages blood flow necessary for healing and helps prevent post-surgical complications such as blood clots. Low-impact exercise such as Pilates can help you get back on your feet.
Post-Surgery
Pilates exercises may help patients improve their gait, according to Elizabeth Larkam, a certified Pilates instructor with experience working with post-surgical patients at sports, rehab and hospital centers. If you're considering Pilates exercises following knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor or therapist about which exercises may be contraindicated and which are recommended.
The One Hundred
Keep in shape and encourage healing of the knee joint by performing a bent-knee, lying-down One Hundred Pilates exercise. Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent at a comfortable angle, placed into a raised platform or cushion. Place a ball -- about the size of a volleyball -- between your knees and press them together to prevent the ball from slipping. You may also place a rolled towel or small pillow under your neck. Lift your head and extend your arms past your hips, palms face down five inches from the floor. Suck in your lower abs. Gently bounce your hands down toward the floor while counting. Inhale through your nose for four counts, then exhale through your mouth four times. This completes one set. Repeat this sequence 25 times, or count to 100 to complete the exercise.
Double Leg Stretch
Your physical therapist can help you determine the correct Pilates exercises for your knees as determined by your rehabilitation progress. At some point, you may be asked to perform a Pilates double leg stretch. Lie on your back on the floor and bend your knees in toward your chest. How far you're able to bend your knees will be determined by your stage of recovery. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Keep your knees close together and grasp your ankles or shins to help you maintain the position. Hold the stretch for up to one minute. If you feel pain, stop.
Knee Sway
This exercise helps tone and strengthen your abdominals and hip and knee joints in one exercise. Lie on your back on the floor, arms stretched out at shoulder height. Bend your knees and lift your legs until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor over your hips. Tuck in your abs and press your knees together or press against a small ball placed between them, toward the floor to your left. Hold for a count of three. Using your abs, lift your knees back to the starting position and then switch sides. Repeat this exercise three to five times.
References
- Balanced Body Universities: Pilates Post-Rehabilitation Programs for Hip and Knee Replacement
- "Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research"; Pilates training for use in rehabilitation after total hip and knee arthroplasty; a preliminary report; B. Levine; June 2009
- Physical Therapy of Los Gatos: Physical Assessment for the Pilates Professional
- 8-Minute Workout: Pilates for a Longer, Leaner Look: Double-Leg Stretch: Fitness Magazine
- Shape Fit: Pilates Exercise Phots & Instructions - Knee Sway
