Total knee replacement is a surgical option for advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. It involves removal of the ends of the tibia and femur and replacement with metal and plastic parts. If the patella is damaged, a plastic piece may be attached to the underside of that bone. The Total Gym is an exercise and rehabilitation device that provides an option for rehabilitation of your knee. It is used in many physical therapy centers around the country.
Rehab Therapy Goals
Knee replacement is a significant surgery and requires proper rehabilitation. A good program will address stabilization of the surgical implant, and restoration of the strength, endurance, and range of motion of your knee. Rehab takes time and work and you will also need a way to measure your progress for both your success and your motivation. It should always be directed by your doctor.
Total Gym for Strength and Stability
It is important to start your rehab with a low level of compression of your knee. Resistance in a Total Gym exercise is created by the incline of the glideboard. This allows you to work with almost no compression. Further, because you can work with either one or both legs at the same time, you can protect your surgical knee by supporting your exercise with your other leg.
Total Gym for Strength with Range of Motion
Total Gym provides an unlimited range of motion for your knee. However, if your clinician determines that you need to start with a shorter range, it has an attachment called the slide distance regulator that can limit your movement on the glideboard. Total Gym allows movement in multiple planes, frontal, saggital, and transverse.
Total Gym for Strength and Endurance
Increases in resistance should be gradual. Calibrations in the incline angle allow you to measure your increases consistently. Because you can start with both legs, you can start with a very low resistance and build up by increasing the glideboard angle. As you get stronger, you can develop greater endurance by working one leg at a time or by adding weights to the system.
Total gym provides the components of a good rehabilitation program. Of course, all exercise programs should be reviewed by your physician before you start.
