Exercise bikes after joint replacements (TKR and THR)

For me it was an easy decision as my balance is poor, and bike at gym is so high. I use recumbent bike , except when we travel and I find lower upright bike, as it does seem do give good stretch like you say

I have a Proform Hybrid elliptical and recumbent bike that I used mostly the recumbent bike for my TKR rehab last April. I’m now using the elliptical for more weight bearing exercise and leg strength.
https://www.proform.com/hybrid-trainers/hybridtrainer

The elliptical is a strange machine that some love and others cannot use (google "knee problems from elliptical trainer"). I got my first Baker's cyst years ago after using an elliptical. Recently I tried in prehab to use it, and while it gave me very good aerobic exercise, my knees both started to hurt and even the good one started producing more fluid. Some say they can be adjusted but it depends on stride length, etc. I use a recumbent bike at home, well positioned in front of the screen, and love it. At 5 weeks post-TKR, I'm doing 30 minutes a day and about to up to 45. I'm getting close to my former resistance.

@lk3xs I use a recumbent bike at home a lot. The orthopedic surgeon I used for my last TKR is very enthusiastic about them. I was actually already using it before he said that. You are looking to get a full stretch, as in your leg having no bend in it? That would be impossible on the recumbent bike I guess, and then of course you would not get any bend, which is what I am after. As @johnbishop mentioned, ellipticals are good too. When I go to the gym at my health club I use the elliptical or the treadmill. I really prefer the elliptical and can get better cardio on it, but now that I have osteoporosis I guess the treadmill is a little better for that. Have you tried an elliptical? Of course, like putting the seat back on a recumbent bike, you get little bend. The elliptical would probably give you a bit more than the bike, but still not much if you are looking for both bend and straightening.
JK

With 2 TKR, I like using the elliptical and a spin bike. The elliptical is great for low weight bearing and a good stretch depending on the angle. My spin bike at home is used for cardio workout and maintaining my range of motion.

Well done everyone, I've been trying get st a rated on a recumbent bike, but there is 75% bend in my knee so l unable to do a f I'll peddle turn. My knee is very tight & stiff. Any tips please I'm post opp 4wks scared I'm going to miss the 6wk range.

@klarnold I was told if I could not do the full circle initially to pedal all the way around to go as far as I could and then the reverse. Of course push yourself a bit and you will gradually be able to go further and further until you can make the full circle.

Have you set the seat further back? That’s a big help too. As you improve you can move the seat forward.

Good luck! The bike really did help me. My surgeon wanted me to use it for 30 minutes, 5 consecutive days, and then take two consecutive days off for rest. He loves recumbent bikes for prehab and rehab, along with water jogging.
JK

Thanks for your information JK, appreciated & explaining. I'll keep @ it. Yes agree water is good healing tool. I go to our local Hydro pool 5x wkly. Plus have a recumbent bike & have hurdles (gain gait, walking up steps) Feeling more postive now with your read ta! Now it's just time. Karen

Did your PT start you out on a stepper? I did that for several visits before I "graduated" to a recumbent bike. Also if the bike has speeds, ask which speed you should use. By using a speed, the pedals don't go as fast. Also a trick they taught me, is to pedal backwards first. Somehow that seems to be easier. Good luck with rehab. Make sure you do it.

@judybearden1 I never used a stepper, my orthopedist suggested the bike as soon as I could do it. I think it's best to start out with the lowest resistance and gradually work up. I asked my doctor if I could do spinning and he said when I got up to be able to do #6 for the whole bike time. I am now on #7 but still have not tried spinning. I am also very apprehensive about trying new things.

@klarnold When I said water, I meant actually jogging in the water. I am envisioning a hydro pool to be therapeutic but not large enough to jog in. Is that correct?
JK