A total knee replacement, or TKR, is an orthopedic surgery maneuver that replaces the entire natural knee joint with an artificial one. Rehab includes a variety of strengthening and stretching exercises that get your knee joint ready to perform everyday activities as best as possible while also lowering postoperative pain levels. Since everyone differs, check with your doctor before starting any new rehab exercise.
Thigh Tighteners
The best rehab exercises for a total knee replacement will concentrate on strengthening your quadriceps, known as the thigh muscle. Quadriceps play a major role in providing needed stability and support to your new knee joint. Start by doing some isometrics that strengthen your thigh muscle without moving your joint. Do the exercise while either sitting upright in a firm chair or lying on your back. Either way, extend your affected leg in front of you so your knee is as straight as possible. Tighten your thigh muscle, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hold the tension 10 seconds. Release the tension and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Foot Slides
The best rehab exercises for a total knee replacement will work on improving knee mobility by restoring flexibility to your knee muscles. Do this by performing a rehab exercise known as a foot slide, or knee bend, according to The Physiotherapy Site. Start by sitting upright in a firm chair and placing your feet firmly on the floor. Sprinkle some talcum powder onto a serving tray and gently place the serving tray underneath your TKR-side foot. Slowly slide your foot toward your body while bending your knee. Keep your hips and back stable. Bend your TKR knee as far as possible. Hold this position 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
Knee Hangers
The best rehab exercises for a total knee replacement work on straightening your affected knee, and knee hangs can help you accomplish this, according to The Physiotherapy Site. Extend your TKR leg and place the heel onto a pillow or block so that your knee hangs unsupported. Tighten your thigh muscle and try to push the back of your TKR knee into the surface. Hold this position 10 seconds. Release the tension and return your knee to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Aided Walking
Walking provides one of the best rehab exercises after a total knee replacement, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Starting the day after a TKR, walking speeds up the recovery process while also strengthening and stretching your knee muscles. Start by firmly distributing your weight while holding onto a walking aid such as a walker or crutches. Move your walking aid one step forward. Gently and slowly lift your TKR leg and place your heel down first, then flatten your foot and lift your toes to complete the step. Lift your healthy leg to take a forward step and align your body weight. Walk slowly; do not rush. Repeat this process for two minutes. Rest 30 seconds. Walk back to your starting position. Gradually increase your time and distance as you become stronger.
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