In-patient rehabilitation following below-the-knee amputation starts immediately after surgery, with concerns over reducing swelling, pain and risks of infection. Rehabilitative exercises emphasize strengthening and stretching your affected muscles to help your body become acquainted with and get the best usage out of your new prosthesis when performing everyday activities. Rehabilitation differs according to individuals, so always consult with your doctor first.
Gait Training
Learning to walk with your prosthesis plays a major role in in-patient rehabilitation following below-the-knee amputation. Known as gait training, walking begins by using a temporary prosthesis that makes weight-bearing possible, according to website MD Guidelines. Walking also helps stabilize your new limb while promoting strengthening and stretching affected muscles. Walk with a walking aid, such as a walker or cane, during the initial stages. Have someone with you for support purposes. Using your normal gait, walk slowly for two minutes.
Positioning
Rehabilitation needs to include functioning exercises that involve changing body positioning. You need to be able to go from the prone, lying position to the sitting position. Begin by lying down on your back with your legs fully extended. Use your arms to slowly lift your upper body until you are sitting up. Straighten your back -- do not slouch. Gently turn your body so your legs are over the side of the bed. Place the foot of your good leg securely onto the floor. Place a walker in front of you, or have someone else do it. Gently lean forward and place both hands onto the walker. Slowly lift your body from the bed and place your body weight onto your good leg. Hold this position 30 seconds. Slowly return your body to the sitting position. Relax 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
Hamstring Stretching
Maintaining hamstring flexibility plays an essential role during rehab. Flexible hamstring muscles, located along the backside of your knee, will improve overall functioning levels. Stretch your hamstrings by sitting upright in bed, with your legs fully extended. Place your arms, palms down, at the side of your knee areas. Gently and slowly move your upper body forward while sliding your hands forward, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Do not try to touch your toes. Stretch until you feel a good stretch along the backside of your knee area. Hold the stretch 10 seconds. Slowly return to the upright position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
Thigh Strengthening
Lower limb strengthening needs to begin during the early stages of rehab. Stronger muscles help control and stabilize your residual limb, another term for prosthesis. Strengthen your thigh muscles, or quadriceps, by doing a seated knee flexion maneuver. Attach one end of a resistance band to the upper portion of your residual limb's calf area and the other end to the exercise table. Slowly raise your residual limb in front of you. Feel the tension in your thigh. Breathe normally and hold this tension eight seconds. Slowly return your leg to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. As you become stronger, lower the band closer to your ankle.
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