Joint replacement surgery is often recommended when you experience pain so great that it makes everyday movements difficult. Before undergoing joint replacement surgery, however, your physician may recommend exercises to enhance muscle strength and function. Although these exercises are not recommended for every patient, they could help improve your surgical outcome -- so talk to your doctor whether or not starting an exercise regimen pre-surgery is right for you.
Benefits
Performing exercises prior to knee surgery is intended to keep your muscles limber and strong. Having strong muscles enhances your recovery because these they are better able to support the knee following surgery. Although you'll perform exercises post-surgery to strengthen the knee as well, what you do beforehand can give you the best possible start. However, always obtain approval from your physician before beginning an exercise program in preparation for surgery.
Flexibility Exercises
Emphasizing muscle flexibility helps prevent muscle de-conditioning, which causes muscle fibers to break down. Examples of flexibility exercises include pointing and flexing your feet and pulling your knees toward your chest. The sitting knee flexion exercise is another activity that helps you stretch the front of the knee. To perform this exercise, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands underneath your thigh for added support, and bend your knee to pull your foot toward the wall behind you. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release the stretch. Repeat five times.
Strengthening Exercises
Certain exercises help you strengthen the quadricep, calf and hamstring muscles prior to knee surgery; however, they may be difficult to perform because of your knee pain. Take on exercises only as you are able, and avoid pain whenever possible. Strengthening exercises include isometric exercises that do not involve significant amounts of movement, such as tightening the buttocks, quadriceps and calf muscles while lying down. Chair push-up exercises are another way to help you prepare for recovery following surgery. Start by sitting in a chair with sturdy arms, placing your hands firmly on each side. Push against the arms, lifting your buttocks slightly off the chair. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then lower your buttocks to the starting position. Repeat the exercise three to five times.
Water Aerobics
If you experience difficulty moving your joints on land, strengthening them in water may be your best bet prior to joint replacement surgery. Water aerobics or performing physician-recommended exercises in the water may help to warm your muscles, which reduces pain with exercise. Water helps you to control your movements as you strengthen your muscles in a low-impact environment.
References
- Allina Hospitals & Clinics: Strengthening Program: Knee Exercises Before Total Knee Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide
- CBS News; Exercise Before Joint Replacement; September 2006
- New-York Presbyterian Hospital: Exercise Before Joint Replacement; October 2006
- Georgetown University Hospital: Knee Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
