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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Related Links:

• Our Knee Injury Protocol