Arthroscopic knee surgery is a common procedure that involves inserting a small scope into your knee to repair cartilage or other injuries to the joint. The rehabilitation period is essential for a successful recovery after a knee scope. Rehabilitation exercises help rebuild strength and restore range of motion to the knee. Consult your surgeon or physical therapist before performing any type of exercise following knee surgery.
Straight Leg Raises
Initial rehabilitative exercises, such as straight leg raises, can generally be performed one to two days following surgery. Flexing and extending your knee as soon as possible helps prevent stiffness in your knee. To perform straight leg raises, lie flat on your back on the floor or a mat. Keep your injured leg straight and bend your other leg, placing your foot flat on the floor. Slowly lift your injured leg 6 inches off the floor and hold the position for 5 seconds. Continue lifting your leg an additional 6 inches until your leg is perpendicular to the floor, and then reverse the exercise. Hold each 6 inch increment for 5 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions.
Hamstring Curl
Intermediate exercises should be performed after the second week of surgery. Hamstring curls flex and extend your knee through its full range of motion. Use a chair for balance and stand on your uninjured leg. Bend your injured knee and raise your heel toward your glutes. Stop when your shin is parallel to the floor. Hold the position for 5 seconds, and then slowly lower your foot to the floor. Keep your knees close together. Perform 20 repetitions. As your strength increases, add an ankle weight to the exercise.
Stationary Bicycle
Using a stationary bicycle improves knee flexion and rehabilitates the knee without any impact. Practice pedaling until your knee bends far enough to complete a cycle. Cycling backward may be easier at first. Start at 10 minutes and gradually increase the duration until you're riding for 30 minutes per day. Adjust the seat until your knee is fully extended when the pedal is in the bottom position. Ride without resistance unless otherwise directed by your physical therapist or surgeon.
Step-Ups
As your strength and range of motion improve, your physical therapist may add more advanced exercises such as forward and lateral step-ups. Lead with your injured leg, stepping forward onto a 6-inch stool or step and then stepping back down with the same leg. Turn to the side and step laterally onto the stool with your injured leg, and then step down. Increase the height of the stool as your strength increases. Perform 10 repetitions of both forward and lateral step-ups.
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