So, you underwent knee replacement surgery after all. That’s your first step towards reducing pain and restoring optimal knee function. Now, it’s time for you to heal. Strengthening and stretching exercises are a part of the healing process. But not all of them, There are certain exercises that can delay the recovery process. You should consult with your physiotherapist regarding the right exercise regime to follow.
5 Exercises To Avoid After a Knee Surgery
In knee replacement surgeries, your knee is replaced by an artificial one to reduce pain and mobility issues. Once the surgery is done, your focus should be on strengthening the muscles surrounding the artificial knee. And exercises help you achieve that. But here are some exercises that do more harm than good.
- High-impact sports
The artificial knee needs anything but too much pressure during the recovery process. High-impact sports such as football, basketball and hockey exert significant pressure on the knee. You not only have to run but also move around to tackle opponents during the sports. Both activities may cause sudden jerking or twisting of the knee causing pain. You can, however, try out low-impact sports such as golf and swimming.
- Running, jogging and marathons
Running or jogging puts pressure on your knees and hence is not allowed during recovery. Running exerts 3X higher pressure on knee joints than walking does. You should avoid activities that involve running, like marathons. The best thing to do is consult with a physical therapist in case you don’t want to miss out on running.
- Weight training
Heavy lifting exerts stress on your joints. Physiotherapists may recommend not carrying anything heavier than a coffee cup, depending on your condition. Your physiotherapist is the right person to let you know when it’s safe to lift weights at the gym. Also, during weight training, you have to undergo strength-building, repetitive exercises which exert a great deal of pressure on knee joints.
- Aerobics
Regular aerobics involves short, impactful exercises. These exercises put a lot of stress on your knees since you have to jump, lunge or even twist them into various positions. Your physiotherapist, however, can prepare a perfect regime for you. For instance, they can prescribe water aerobics as a perfect substitute for regular aerobics.
- Skateboarding, hiking and surfing
Hiking may be low-impact. But it involves walking on uneven ground. There is always a risk of falling into erupting roots or rocks. In surfing and skateboarding, however, you have a risk of twisting knees or falling on concrete.
Recovering after knee surgery takes time. But the process gets easier when you know what to avoid during the recovery. Speak to your physical therapist about the exercises to follow or avoid after knee surgery.
Looking for a Physiotherapist for Knee Pain or after Knee Surgery?
Our physiotherapists have several years of experience helping patients heal after knee surgeries. We assess your condition through a comprehensive medical examination. This lets us know the right exercises for your quick recovery.
