A total knee replacement is a major surgical procedure designed to increase the quality of life in patients who suffer from severe knee pain that is most often the result of arthritis or traumatic injury to the knee. For a knee replacement to be successful, patients need to take special precautions following surgery -- especially when it comes to exercising. As a result, total knee-replacement patients are strongly discouraged from using an inversion table.
Activities After a Knee Replacement
Recovery from knee replacement surgery does not occur overnight. Healing from a knee replacement is a gradual process that will eventually allow you to return to a majority of the activities that you previously enjoyed. With the knee being on the largest joints in your body, it is important to follow the instructions of your surgeon to ensure proper healing. You should avoid placing weight on your new knee until you are instructed to by your surgeon. Once your surgeon has given you the approval to bear weight, you will likely be sent to physical therapy to help increase your range of motion and strength. Six to eight weeks following surgery you will be able to resume activities including walking, swimming and cycling. Your surgeon is likely to discourage participation in high-impact sports as well as in activities that require a lot of jumping or squatting. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also recommends avoiding lifting any weights over 40 lbs.
Inversion Table
An inversion table is a device that looks much like a weight bench that enables you to be comfortably positioned upside down to perform a variety of exercises. An inversion table is usually comprised of durable steel and contains straps for your safety. The table is adjustable so that you can position yourself at an angle up to 180 degrees. Inversion tables are commonly used to eliminate back ailments and provide pain relief.
Inversion Tables and Knee Replacements
Using an inversion table following a total knee replacement can be dangerous. While hanging upside down on an inversion table, the weight of your entire body is placed on your ankles and knees. This excessive weight placed on your knees can make it more likely that your new knee will fail or become damaged.
Considerations
Inversion tables should not be used by individuals who have undergone a total knee replacement -- especially in the first year of healing. If you want to use an inversion table, talk to your doctor before you attempt it. If you are experiencing back pain, talk to your doctor about other means of alleviating your pain aside from using an inversion table. If you do decide to use an inversion table without speaking to your doctor and experience pain, discontinue use and contact your surgeon immediately.
