knee flexibility: For those with severe knee arthritis or injuries, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is a frequent operation to relieve pain and restore function. Even though TKR can greatly enhance quality of life, best results depend on appropriate rehabilitation. The restoration of knee flexibility through range-of-motion (ROM) exercises is an essential component of TKR therapy. We will discuss the value of range-of-motion exercises following total knee replacement (TKR) and look at practical methods for regaining knee flexibility in this blog.
Knowing Knee Flexibility:
It’s important to comprehend the idea of knee flexibility and its importance in TKR healing before diving into particular workouts. The term “knee flexibility” describes the knee joint’s range of motion, which includes flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). Reaching the necessary level of knee flexibility is essential for carrying out regular tasks including bending over, walking, and climbing stairs.
Exercises for Range of Motion:
Following Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, patients frequently report stiffness and restricted knee joint mobility. Muscle weakening, tissue inflammation, and surgical trauma can all cause this stiffness. By progressively stretching the surrounding muscles and tissues, enhancing blood circulation, and halting the production of scar tissue, range-of-motion exercises are essential in treating these problems. Furthermore, range-of-motion exercises aid in avoiding issues like joint contracture, which can impede functional recovery.
Range-of-motion exercises in the early stages:
The emphasis of TKR rehabilitation in its early stages is on mild exercises that increase circulation, decrease swelling, and prevent stiffness. These stages usually occur in the first few days to weeks following surgery. These exercises, which can be done sitting or lying down, might include:
1. Heel slides:
Extend your legs while lying on your back. Sliding your heel towards your buttocks, slowly bend your operated knee and then come back to the beginning position.
2. Quadriceps sets:
Sit or lie down with your legs straight for a quadriceps set. Your quadriceps are the muscles on the front of your thigh. Tighten them, hold them for a short while, and then release them.
3. Ankle pumps:
Flex and stretch your ankle by moving your foot up and down while you’re lying down. This exercise facilitates better blood circulation to the lower limb.
4. Knee flexion and extension with assistance:
With the help of a towel or strap, progressively extend and bend your knee joint, building up its range of motion.
Progressive Range of Motion activities:
To further enhance knee flexibility, patients can progressively move on to more difficult ROM activities as the healing process continues and the swelling goes down. These workouts could consist of:
1. Wall slides:
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and face the wall. Try to get into a comfortable squat position by bending your knees and sliding your back down the wall. Hold for a short while before easing back to a standing position.
2. Chair sit-to-stand:
Place your feet flat on the floor and start by sitting on a chair. Using your leg muscles, steadily stand up and then descend back down in a controlled manner.
3. Standing hamstring:
To stretch your hamstrings while standing, put your affected leg on a sturdy object that is raised off the ground, like a step or stool. Up till you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh, maintain a straight knee and budge forward from your hips.
4. Prone hangs:
Place your legs over the edge of a bed or table and lie face down. Let gravity help increase knee flexion by allowing your operated knee to slightly bend.
5. Cycling:
After receiving the all-clear from your surgeon or physiotherapist, stationary cycling is a great low-impact workout to strengthen the muscles around your knees and increase their flexibility.
Some Advice on Safe and Beneficial Range-of-Motion Exercises
When doing range-of-motion exercises, it’s critical to put safety first and adhere to the following rules:
1. Exercises should be started initially and increased in duration and intensity as tolerated.
2. Pay attention to your body’s needs and refrain from enduring extreme pain or discomfort.
3. To avoid putting undue strain on other joints, maintain good alignment and posture when performing activities.
4. When necessary, use supportive equipment to help you do the exercises, such as straps or pillows.
5. Always get advice from your physiotherapist or healthcare professional before beginning a new fitness regimen, particularly following total knee replacement surgery.
In summary,
range of motion exercises play a crucial role in TKR rehabilitation, helping to improve overall function and restore knee flexibility. You can speed up the healing process, lessen stiffness, and regain mobility in your knee joint by adding mild stretching and strengthening activities to your everyday regimen. Don’t forget to collaborate closely with your medical team to create a customised workout regimen that suits your needs and objectives. Following total knee replacement surgery, you can attain the best results and lead a more active and satisfying life with perseverance, consistency, and dedication.