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| About the Knee |
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| Partial Knee Replacement |
| Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement |
| Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Knee |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Knee
Physical therapy, which usually lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, is the most important role in your recovery process. Your physical therapist will teach you a variety of exercises so you can confidently perform them in your own home. The exercises are designed to increase the strength and mobility of your knee. Your orthopedic physician may also instruct you to perform some strengthening exercises before your surgery. Some examples of exercises are provided.
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ONLY PERFORM THE EXERCISES PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR |
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The knee flexion/ seated stretch is performed while seated in a chair. Gently slide your surgical leg behind you while keeping your foot flat against the ground. Move forward in your chair and hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST. |
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2. Knee Extension: Seated Stretch |
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The knee extension/seated stretch is performed while seated at the edge of a chair. Gently slide your surgical leg forward and push down on the knee to straighten your leg. Hold for 10-15 seconds then pull your leg back. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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Prop foot of operated leg up on chair. Place towel roll under ankle and ice pack over knee. Put 5-10 lbs. of weight on top of knee (a 5-10 lb. bag of rice works well). Do this for the recommended amount of time. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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4. Knee Extension: Straight Leg |
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Lie on back, place towel roll under thigh. Lift foot, straightening knee. Do not raise thigh off roll. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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The straight leg raise is performed in a reclined position, using your forearms to support your upper body. While keeping your leg straight, lift your leg twelve to twenty inches, hold for a count of ten, and slowly lower your leg back to the floor. Relax. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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Sit with your back against the chair. Straighten knee. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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The ankle pump is performed by slowly moving your foot back and forth as far as possible. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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8. Quadriceps/Gluteal Exercise The quadriceps/gluteal exercise is performed while lying on your back. Tighten the tops of your legs while squeezing your buttocks and hold for a count of ten. Do not hold your breath. Repeat the recommended number of times. ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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All Patient Education materials are provided by Pro-Marketing, Inc.
All Patient education material has been reviewed by a board of Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy.
All materials are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
This site includes links to other web sites. Pro-Marketing, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or information contained in the linked sites.
