Following knee surgery, your surgeon will likely suggest you see a physiotherapist for post surgical rehabilitation. This rehabilitation is an important part of optimizing your recovery and ensuring that you return to full function. Your physiotherapist will discuss the post surgical rehabilitation process with you depending on the type of surgery that you have had.
The main focus of post surgical rehab is to:
- Restore full range of movement
- Control swelling, ease pain and prevent blood clots
- Normalize walking patterns
- Build up strength in the surrounding muscles
- Gradual return to full activities and function
After knee surgery, the best exercise to help regain range of motion and strength is the stationary bike. You will typically need enough bend in your knee before starting this exercise. You may also need to adjust the seat height to a slightly higher position than usual to make it more comfortable for your first couple of attempts.
Once comfortable with your position on the bike, begin 10-15 minutes of little to no resistance pedaling, aiming to keep a regular speed and rhythm throughout.
If you experience no significant aggravation in pain or swelling in your knee following your time on the stationary bike, then you can gradually increase duration and resistance over the coming weeks.
Jess is our post-operative rehab physio and is getting amazing results with lower and upper limb conditions – ring us on 55787155 or email admin@physiologic.com.au to book any post operative surgery rehab with Jess