Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

3 Exercises To Consider After Knee Replacement Surgery

Nellie Ryan

Whether you have suffered an injury or are living with arthritis, a knee replacement surgery may be the best option to restore mobility and ease your pain. While the knee is not completely replaced, the surgery involves replacing damaged components of the knee joint with prosthetic pieces. On average, 90 percent of patients experience enormous pain relief after the surgery. Of course, proper recovery is essential for the surgery's success. After your knee replacement surgery, you will most likely work with a physical therapist to improve mobility and endurance while strengthening your new knee joint. Here are a few exercises your therapist may suggest during your recovery after knee replacement surgery.

1. Using an Elliptical Machine

Walking is a great way to start moving the new components of your knee joint. However, walking on a flat surface for long periods of time can place excessive amounts of stress on the knee, resulting in slight pain and discomfort. Thankfully, you can build up your endurance without placing a great deal of impact on the knee joints using an elliptical machine.

Walking on an elliptical works your entire body without excess force on your joints. In just a short period of time, you can work the knee joint, upper body, buttocks, legs, and arms, improving your cardiovascular and joint health with ease.

2. Heel Slides

Another great way to work out your knee joint is by completing heel slides in the comfort of your own home or while working with your physical therapist. Place an exercise mat or thick towel on the floor to give your back some support. Lie flat on the mat with your legs extended.

Bend the knee that was recently treated with knee replacement surgery. Make sure the knee remains bent while your foot is flat on the floor. Then, slide the foot back towards your body. Hold the position for a few seconds before sliding the foot back away from your body. Repeat multiple times to strengthen the knee without placing a lot of stress on the joint.

3. Back Kicking

During your rehabilitation, you will need to focus on improving flexibility while strengthening your new knee joint. One of the easiest ways to increase flexibility and strength is through back kicking movements.

To get started, stand up straight holding onto a bar on a wall or a sturdy chair. Lift your foot up, bending it towards your buttocks as much as possible. Hold the position for a few seconds before releasing slowly. Repeat multiple times. After a few days, consider wearing an ankle weight to strengthen the knee joint even more.

Knee replacement surgeries are effective with proper recovery. With this guide, your surgeon, and your physical therapist, you will learn the best exercises to strengthen and improve your new knee joint. For more information, contact your local physical rehabilitation services.


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About Me
Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

As an adult in my 50s, I find that my body isn't as strong as it used to be. But I don't let that stop me from enjoying life! In fact, I make every effort to get the treatments I need from my doctor to improve my health. I know that I'm not a senior yet, but I do all I can to prevent the health problems that affect that age group. Because of this, I put together a health blog for people over age 50. My blog isn't a review of what you can easily find on the Internet. It's a plethora of unique information designed to help you find the services you need fast. What my blog doesn't do is tell you what to do for your health. Instead, it offers guidance and options. Please, enjoy the blog and happy reading.

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