Steps for Physical Activity Following a Complete Knee Replacement Operation
After undergoing a knee replacement surgery, it's essential to follow a structured exercise routine to aid recovery and protect the new joint. Here's a guide to the exercises you can expect to perform and those to avoid.
Exercises to Avoid
High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and sports involving rapid changes in direction, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and skiing, should be avoided. These activities can potentially lead to injury or premature wear of the prosthetic.
Heavy weightlifting or lifting objects over 20-25 pounds, deep squats or lunges, kneeling or prolonged pressure on the knee, and activities involving twisting or pivoting motions should also be avoided. These movements can strain or damage the new knee joint.
Exercises to Incorporate
Rehabilitation and gentle exercises typically start almost immediately after surgery, often within the first day. Early rehab focuses on gentle range-of-motion exercises and walking, progressing gradually based on individual recovery.
Quadriceps sets, ankle pumps, and straight leg raises are exercises suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). These exercises help strengthen the muscles around the knee and promote healing.
Bed-supported knee bends, sitting-supported knee bends, and standing knee bends are other exercises that help build strength and flexibility in the knee. These exercises can be performed as soon as you feel able, even from your bed or while in the hospital.
Cycling on a stationary bike can also be beneficial. Aim to pedal for 10-15 minutes twice a day, gradually working up to 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
When to Start Exercises
Light movement, such as walking, can usually be started within 24 hours after surgery. Strengthening or resistance exercises should wait until the knee is sufficiently healed and your surgeon or physiotherapist clears you. This typically happens a few weeks into recovery, depending on individual healing.
Preventing Complications
Beginning postoperative exercises can help prevent one of the most common complications of knee replacement surgery: blood clots. After walking, it's a good idea to lie down, elevate the knee, and ice it to reduce swelling.
Always follow your medical team's guidance and a structured rehab program tailored to your condition to optimize recovery and protect your new knee joint.
[1] AAOS (2021). Knee Replacement Exercises. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. [Online] Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-replacement-exercises/
[2] Mayo Clinic (2020). Knee replacement rehabilitation: Recovering from knee replacement surgery. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. [Online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement-surgery/in-depth/knee-replacement-rehabilitation/art-20046840
[3] NHS (2019). Knee replacement surgery: Recovery. National Health Service. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement/recovery/
[4] WebMD (2021). Knee Replacement Exercises. WebMD. [Online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-replacement-exercises
[5] Cleveland Clinic (2020). Knee Replacement Exercise Program. Cleveland Clinic. [Online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16623-knee-replacement-exercise-program
- After undergoing joint surgeries, it's crucial to steer clear of high-impact activities such as running, as well as sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, and skiing, to prevent potential injury or premature wear of the prosthetic.
- The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends quadriceps sets, ankle pumps, and straight leg raises as exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and promote healing in patients who have undergone orthopedic surgeries.
- Incorporating bed-supported knee bends, sitting-supported knee bends, and standing knee bends can help build strength and flexibility in the knee and can be performed as soon as one feels able, even from the bed or while in the hospital.
- Cycling on a stationary bike can be beneficial for knee replacement patients, with an aim of pedaling for 10-15 minutes twice a day, gradually working up to 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
- Beginning postoperative exercises, such as walking, can help prevent blood clots, a common complication of knee replacement surgeries. After walking, it's advisable to lie down, elevate the knee, and ice it to reduce swelling.
