Exploratory arthroscopic knee surgery involves using surgical instruments to look inside, evaluate and possibly treat knee ailments such as arthritis, torn meniscus or misaligned kneecap. Rehab after the surgery involves exercises that stretch and strengthen your knee's supporting muscles with the intention of restoring mobility and functioning to your knee. To reduce swelling after exercise, apply ice. Since all exercises may not be suitable for you or your individual condition, check with your doctor before starting.
Side Steps
Rehab after exploratory arthroscopic knee surgery needs to strengthen your knee's supporting muscles and train you for doing steps or stairs in real life. Do a sideways step maneuver, suggests the Chester Knee Clinic & Cartilage Repair Centre. Find a single step or use a stairway. Stand upright with your injured side against the step. Slowly and gently lift your injured leg onto the step. Place all your body weight onto your foot. Let your uninjured-side hang loose or you can lift it onto the step. Hold this position for five seconds. Slowly lower your good leg to the surface and place your body weight onto it. Remove your injured leg from the step. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Knee Push
Rehab after exploratory arthroscopic knee surgery needs to include exercises that actively stretch your knee. Lay on your back in bed or on a soda. Extend your legs. Place a rolled-up towel underneath your surgical knee, with your heel against the bed or sofa. Tighten your knee and push it into the towel. Lift your heel as far as possible. Hold this position for eight seconds. Release the tension. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Pedal Pumpers
Keep your circulation flowing freely during your rehab after exploratory arthroscopic knee surgery. Do this by engaging in some pedal pumpers maneuvers. Lay on your back on sofa or in bed with your leg at a higher level than your hip. Extend your legs fully. Gently and slowly move the toes on your surgical side away from you as if you are pressing on a car accelerator or other pedal. Hold this position five seconds. Return your foot to the original position, toes pointing toward the ceiling. Slowly bring your toes toward your body. Hold this position five seconds. Return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Natural Extenders
Rehab after exploratory arthroscopic knee surgery needs to naturally stretch and extend your knee, according to the Chester Knee Clinic and Cartilage Repair Centre. Either sit or lay for this exercise with both legs fully extended. Gently lift and place only your surgical-side heel onto a pillow or rolled-up towel. Feel the stretch alongside the back of your knee. Keep this position for 10 seconds. Slowly remove the towel or pillow and return your leg to the surface. Relax for 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
