If you have had a knee arthroplasty, you know the lengthy rehabilitation that is required. Exercises for knee arthroplasty, also known as a knee replacement, are designed to strengthen the knee and improve range of motion. The difficulty of these exercises gradually increases as progress is made. Advanced exercises are instituted after about 12 weeks, when 90 percent of the strength in your knee has been regained and you are able to flex your knee 115 degrees.
Prone Knee Flexion
Stiffness of the knee is a common finding in most patients after surgery. Prone knee flexion targets this concern by improving range of motion and alleviating stiffness of your knee. To perform this exercise, lie on your stomach. Slowly bend your injured knee and bring the foot toward your buttocks as far as possible. You should feel a stretch on the front of your upper leg. Hold this position for 15 seconds and do three repetitions. Remember to stretch your knee only to the point of slight discomfort, but never to the point of pain.
Standing Knee Curls
Standing knee curls promote strengthening of the muscles that surround your knee, specifically the hamstrings and quadriceps. These are the primary muscles responsible for stabilizing the knee. Often these muscles become weakened after surgery due to lack of use. This exercise will help to rebuild the muscles, which in turn will support the knee and reduce the amount of pressure on the knee. To do this exercise, stand next to a table or chair for balance. Slowly bend your injured knee and lift the heel toward your buttocks as far as possible. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds and then lower your foot back down to the floor. Do three sets of 10 repetitions. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, try wrapping an ankle weight around your ankle.
Stepups
Stepups are also designed to strengthen your knee. For this exercise, you will need a step or raised platform on which to step. To do this exercise, bend your injured knee and place your foot on the step. Slowly transfer your weight to this leg and step up onto the platform. Place your opposite foot on the platform and then back down to the floor. Keeping your weight on your injured leg, slowly bring your other foot back down to the ground. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.
Stationary Biking
Stationary bikes provide resistance to strengthen your knee as well as improve flexibility. Before you begin cycling, make sure that the saddle height is correct for your height. In the proper cycling position, your knee should be slightly bent when the pedal is closest to the ground. Begin by cycling for about 10- to 15-minute intervals, two times a day, with no resistance. After about four to six weeks, you may gradually increase the resistance on the bike. Aim to cycle for 20- to 30-minute sessions, three to four times a week.
Caution
Talk to your orthopedic doctor or physical therapist before beginning an exercise routine. Do not attempt to do these exercises unless your doctor or physical therapist has given consent to do so. Doing advanced exercises too early in your rehabilitation can damage the prosthesis as well as set your recovery back. Never attempt to do exercises that are not prescribed by your doctor, especially those that place excessive pressure on the knee joint, such as lunges or squats.
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