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Light Leg Press After the Nuss Procedures

Jul 18, 2011 | By Jeremy Hoefs
Light Leg Press After the Nuss Procedures
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One in every 1,000 children are born with a condition called pectus excavatum -- characterized by a depression or indentation in the middle of the chest. The condition can range from mild to severe and is caused by excess connective tissue growth between the ribs and sternum. There aren't many procedures that can cure pectus excavatum, but the Nuss Procedure was a revolutionary breakthrough that leads to long-term results. After the Nuss Procedure, every patient must complete a physical therapy plan of various exercises, including the leg press.

Initial Recovery

Immediately after the Nuss Procedure, you must rest in the hospital for four to five days. During this time frame, there is a specific focus on pain management, breathing techniques and movement assistance. All of these components are essential for performing a light leg press later in the recovery process. After leaving the hospital, activity is still restricted for about six weeks with no physical exercise or heavy lifting.

Therapy

Most patients return to a normal work or school schedule within two to three weeks, but vigorous exercise isn't allowed until one month after surgery. As the physical therapy plan begins, general walking and breathing exercises are the first steps towards recovery. These exercises are the foundation for performing weight training movements such as the leg press later in physical therapy plan.

Weight Limitation

When it's time to start performing the leg press, the weight is limited to 10 lbs. or less. Proper adjustment of the leg press and foot placement on the platform is essential for a safe and successful exercise. Focus on proper breathing during the entire movement by exhaling during the exertion phase to avoid excess pressure in the chest cavity.

Progression

The light leg press should continue for about six to 10 months with a gradual progression with the amount of weight. The progression in the light leg press should be accompanied by other physical therapy exercises to promote strength, endurance and overall health, including heart and lung capacity. As a result of the light leg press and physical therapy plan, patients can play harder and longer.

References

Article reviewed by Lauren Fritsky Last updated on: Jul 18, 2011

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