Knee Exercise Guide
Following Arthroscopy
Generally, following
knee arthroscopy, an aggressive rehab approach can be taken. The good news
is that no major precautions or contra-indications are present and ROM and
strength can be progressed as tolerated. This includes the following
procedures: partial medial or lateral meniscectomy, debridement of cartilage and
joint surfaces, removal of a loose body, plicae excision, and lateral release.
Patellar mobilizations
and scar massage are both necessary to regain full ROM. Advancement of
exercises and activities is based on quad tone. Some patients may be back
to regular activities (85% of normal) at 3-4 weeks while others may take
significantly longer. It is important to find out the pre-op status of the
patient as this will help determine how fast the patient will progress
post-operatively.
Following a lateral release, a slightly longer rehabilitation program is
sometimes necessary. It is common for patients to have a persistent, large
swelling at the outside aspect of the knee due to the fact that the lateral
geniculate artery is often necessarily cut during surgery. It is
imperative to keep the IT band stretched out post-operatively. In addition
to stretching and soft tissue mobilization, medial patellar glides are
beneficial to prevent excessive scarring of the IT Band.
Regular exercise is necessary. For the most part this can be carried out at
home. You should try to exercise approximately 20 to 30 minutes two or three
times a day. You should also engage in a biking (either stationary or road bike)
program; this is the key to a successful rehabilitation. The following guide can
help you better understand your exercise or activity program.
As you increase the intensity of your exercise program, you
may experience temporary set-backs. Remember to follow a STEP-WISE PROGRESSION.
Progress in very small steps and never large increases in intensity or time.
If your knee swells or hurts after a particular exercise activity, you should
lessen or stop the activity until you feel better. You should Rest, Ice,
Compress (with an ACE bandage), and Elevate your knee (R.I.C.E.). Contact us if
the symptoms persist.
Now it's off to the races!!
Dr. Steve A. Mora, MD
Knee Exercise Program from the Orthopaedic
National Academy Website (AAOS)
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Partial Squat, with Chair
Hold onto a sturdy chair or
counter with your feet 6-12 inches from the chair or counter. Do not
bend all the
way down. DO NOT go any lower than 90 degrees. Keep back straight. Hold
for 5-10 seconds. Slowly come back up. Relax. Repeat 10 times.
Slowly progress to 5-10 sets of 10 repetitions daily.
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Straight Leg Raises,
10
Repetitions - Lie on your back or sit: with uninvolved
knee bent, straighten your involved knee. Slowly lift about 6 inches and
hold for
5 seconds. Continue lifting in 6-inch increments, hold each time. Repeat
10 times. Slowly progress to 5-10 sets of 10 repetitions daily. |
Knee Bend, Partial
Stand
supporting yourself with the back
of a chair. Bend your uninvolved leg with your toe touching for balance
as necessary.
Slowly lower yourself, keeping your foot flat. Don't overdo this
exercise. Straighten
up to the starting position. Relax and repeat 10 times. Slowly
progress to 5-10 sets of 10 repetitions daily.
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Quad Sets- Sitting
- While sitting in a chair or sofa , place the knee flat on the surface. Now straighten your
knee by contracting the quadriceps muscle as strong as possible, hold 10seconds and
slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times, do 10
sets
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Step-ups, Forward, 10
Repetitions - Step forward up onto a 6-inch high
stool, leading with your involved leg. Step down, returning to the
starting position.
Increase the height of the platform as strength increases. Repeat 10
times.
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Step-ups, Lateral, 10
Repetitions - Step up onto a 6-inch high stool,
leading with your involved leg. Step down, returning to the starting
position.
Increase the height of the platform as strength increases. Repeat 10
times.
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Hamstring Stretch,
Supine at Wall, 10 Repetitions - Lie next to a
doorway, with one leg extended. Place your heel against the wall, and,
with your
knee bent, move your hips toward the wall. Now begin to straighten your
knee.
When you feel the tightness behind your knee, hold for 5 seconds. Relax
and
repeat 10 times. The closer you are to the wall, the more intense the
stretch.
Repeat with the other leg.
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