How To Exercise After A Knee Dislocation

Knee dislocations commonly occur as the result of a sudden stop and change in direction. Dislocations can also occur due to a direct blow to the knee. Excessive stress on the knee can cause it to slip out of its normal positioning. Treatment for a knee dislocation includes immobilization for several weeks. If your knee is still unstable, surgery may be completed to stabilize the kneecap. As part of your recovery, you will participate in physical therapy. Following therapy, you will be able to slowly start exercising again.

Step 1

Talk to your doctor. Begin exercising only with the approval of your doctor. Find out if you have any restrictions on what types of exercises you should not complete.

Step 2

Keep your knee strong. Perform knee exercises -- similar to those you may have completed in physical therapy -- at home. Single-leg balances, hamstring curls, wall squats, straight leg raises, hamstring curls, quadriceps sets and knee stabilization exercises can all be completed.

Step 3

Use a knee brace. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about using a knee brace when returning to exercise. A knee brace can help provide you with extra support and reduce the re-occurrence of injury or another dislocation of your knee.

Step 4

Start out slow. Begin exercising using low-impact exercises -- low impact exercises provide you with a complete cardiovascular workout without placing a lot of stress on your knee joints. Swimming, elliptical use, cycling, low-impact aerobics, rowing-machines, Pilates, yoga and walking are all low-impact exercises. While the National Academy of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day, start out slower if you need to. Start at 15 minutes and slowly work your way up to 30 minutes as you rebuild your endurance and strength.

Step 5

Resume your normal exercise routine. Once you feel you are strong enough, begin exercising as usual. This can include running, sports, weight lifting or any other form of physical activity you would normally participate in.