← Return to Pain after recent Knee Replacement. What is normal? For how long?
DiscussionPain after recent Knee Replacement. What is normal? For how long?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Apr 4, 2023 | Replies (102)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I'm happy you found something useful in my post. There is another stair exercise that I..."
Thank you I pretty sure I can do but I will ask …. It sounds very challenging…. Exactly what I need at this stage in recovery…. Thank you very much
These simple "dip" exercises work the quad of the surgical leg and build strength. I started doing these after I had established range of motion of about 120 degrees, so around 4 weeks post-op. For some people it will take longer. You'll feel it in the patella, and if the pain is sharp, stop. But if the pain if manageable, then these are good exercises and can be done just about anywhere.
Think of recovery in two phases. The first is to get range of motion (ROM) back in your knee and to straighten your leg (extension). There are exercises, like ankle slides, to do this. Once you've reached 120 degrees ROM (or whatever your PT and Dr.recommend), then you can start to strengthen the quads, and these dip exercises are a good way to do that.
Remember, it's likely the surgeon made a small incision in your quad to weaken it enough to pull the patella to the side during surgery. So the quad on your surgical leg will be a little weak, Be patient and good things should happen.
Great advice ddsack, thanks!
Joe