Knee surgery, whether for an ACL repair, meniscus repair, or total knee replacement, is a significant step toward addressing chronic pain and mobility issues. While the procedure is extensive, what happens during recovery largely determines your success in regaining strength and mobility. Physical therapy and targeted exercises play fundamental roles in this journey.
Knee surgery has become an increasingly common surgery since its inception in 1968. The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 850,000 knee surgeries occur in the United States annually.
Knee surgery can be daunting, but with the right recovery process in place, you can go into your recovery confident. In this article, we explore the importance of physical therapy in knee recovery, the guidelines for effective healing, and the exercises you can do to support your knee strength and range of motion. We’ll also talk about developing coordination and offer tips to ease the process.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Knee Surgery Recovery
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of post-surgical knee rehabilitation. Early mobilization, under the guidance of a qualified physical therapist, helps prevent complications like stiffness and muscle weakness while promoting healing. Your physical therapist will create a personalized exercise program that takes into account:
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The type of surgery you had
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Your current range of motion
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Pain levels
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Overall physical condition
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Recovery goals
A customized approach ensures safe progress while maximizing your recovery potential. Failure to maintain a physical therapy routine invites complications, such as delayed healing, muscle atrophy, reduced balance, and even psychosocial drawbacks. It’s important to be honest with your physical therapist about setbacks, unexpected pain, or areas of concern.
General Guidelines for Knee Exercises After Surgery
Knee surgery is a major medical procedure requiring careful coordination between your healthcare providers, physical therapists, and yourself. Before you start any exercise program, make a plan with your surgeon and other medical professionals. Be sure to follow these essential guidelines when beginning your recovery program:
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Always consult your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist before beginning new exercises or programs
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Immediately stop if you experience unusual pain or discomfort
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Start with basic movements and gradually increase the intensity
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Maintain proper form throughout each exercise
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Follow the recommended repetitions and sets
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Allow adequate rest between exercise sessions
To further support your progress, doctors advise eating a healthy diet filled with complex carbohydrates, low-fat proteins, green leafy veggies, and fruits. Avoid alcoholic beverages and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Best Knee Exercises After Surgery: A Physical Therapist's Perspective
Knee replacement surgery presents significant rehabilitation challenges during the post-operative period. After the surgical period, patients arrive in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for follow-up care.
Knee replacement surgery requires immediate weight bearing, mobility, and quad activation to avoid muscular atrophy and diminished strength. Jessica Paparella, PT, DPT, recommends implementing appropriate therapeutic exercises and consistent physical activities to mitigate adverse effects and promote accelerated healing.
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises are a requirement for mobility and freedom of movement after surgery. These exercises encourage blood flow and help with flexibility.
Ankle Pumps
After surgery, there is an elevated risk of blood clots and circulation issues. Ankle pumps address these concerns by improving blood flow and circulation.
To perform ankle pumps:
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Start by lying on your back with your leg straight
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Slowly move your feet clockwise and counterclockwise
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Perform 10 repetitions every hour while awake
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Helps prevent blood clots and reduce swelling
Heel Slides
Heel slides are excellent for strengthening the muscles that help bend hips and legs.
To perform heel slides:
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Lie on your back with your surgical leg straight
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Slowly slide your heel toward your buttocks, bending your knee
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Slowly straighten your knee back to the starting position
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Repeat 10 times, 3 times daily
Straight Leg Raises
Leg raises help to strengthen the quadriceps and upper thigh, which are essential for bending and moving.
To perform a straight leg raise:
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Start by lying flat on your back
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Keep your surgical leg straight and bend your other knee
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Slowly lift your straight leg about 6 inches off the floor
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Slowly lower your leg
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Repeat 10 times, 3 times daily
Strengthening Exercises
Muscle loss and strength deterioration are concerns after knee surgery, making strength exercises essential for long-term recovery. These exercises will help you reintroduce muscle-building activity into your routine.
Quadriceps Sets
Your knees rely on strong leg muscles, especially the quadriceps. These exercises target the quads to rebuild the strength needed to walk and bend.
To perform a quadricep set:
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Lie on your back with your surgical leg straight
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Tighten your thigh muscle while pushing your knee down
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Relax and repeat 10 times, 3 times daily
Standing Hip Extensions
Although the hip isn’t directly related to the knee, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hip are necessary for healthy knee movement.
To perform a standing hip extension:
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Stand holding onto a sturdy chair for balance
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Slowly move your surgical leg backward
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Keep your knee straight and maintain good posture
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Return to starting position
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Repeat 10 times
Mini Squats
Squats are incredible exercises for strengthening most of the muscles in your legs. A good squat routine gives you a sturdy foundation to stand on.
To perform a mini squat:
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Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
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Hold onto a stable surface for balance
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Slowly bend your knees to 30 degrees
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Return to starting position
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Repeat 10 times
Balance and Coordination Exercises
As your recovery progresses, you will need to introduce balance and coordination exercises to regain complete movement. Your physical therapist may introduce some of these workout movements to boost your coordination and balance.
Single-leg Standing
The single-leg stand trains the muscles in your legs and feet to adjust to your body’s movement while maintaining a standing position.
To perform a single-leg stand:
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Stand on your surgical leg
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Maintain balance for increasing durations
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Use support as needed
Stationary Bike
Even professional athletes leverage the power of a stationary bike as part of their routines. A stationary bike can also help get you back into action faster through coordinated efforts with your physical therapist.
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Start with 5 minutes at low resistance
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Gradually increase duration and resistance
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This exercise is excellent for improving your range of motion
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an excellent exercise for controlling movements and breathing while fostering mental resilience. A modified routine that eases pressure on your knees introduces strength, control, and movement exercises without the strenuous requirements of other workout regimens. When coupled with other exercises, Tai Chi can boost your confidence and offer pain relief.
Tips for a Successful Recovery from a PT
Recovery is never easy, but creating a recovery plan with your doctor and PT will ensure you return to your active life as soon as possible. Jessica Paparella, PT, DPT, recommends staying consistent with your home exercise program to promote good habits.
She also recommends wearing proper footwear and clothing, icing your knee after exercise to reduce swelling and pain, and keeping a log of your progress to benchmark your performance.
Jessica said, “To reduce pain and swelling, icing and elevating the leg from the ankle is recommended. Do not put anything under the knee, as that causes the knee to bend.”
Finally, Jessica advocates for adequate rest and recovery between exercise sessions. During those rest periods, your body springs into action to repair the muscle fibers and deplete knee effusions.
Supplement Your Surgery Recovery with Motive
If you are struggling with traditional exercise, try Motive. Motive offers FDA-cleared therapy that helps strengthen the muscles around your knee joint, complementing your physical therapy routine. Motive allows you to continue therapy at home between PT sessions, potentially accelerating your recovery process.
Don’t wait to enhance your post-surgery recovery. Learn more about how Motive can support your rehabilitation journey and help you achieve lasting knee pain relief. Visit Motive's knee pain relief products to explore your options.
