How active can you be after knee replacement

Your doctor will provide recommendations for activity based on your needs and overall health. In general, they will recommend low-impact exercises over high-impact versions that can add stress to your knees. Here are a few examples of low-impact activities and sports that you should be able to do once you recover from surgery.

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do to build up strength in your knee. Start with smaller steps and shorter walks as you work your way up to longer distances. Keep track of how long you walk every day so you can gauge your progress. Consider using a pedometer to count your steps. Other types of water exercises, such as aqua aerobics, are also a good choice.

Many people with knee replacements can resume swimming 3—6 weeks after surgery. But check with your doctor or physical therapist before diving into the pool. Avoid twisting and abrupt movements that could put your knee out of alignment. Also avoid high-impact movements such as jumping.

Cycling is a good way to regain strength in your knee. Whether you use an actual bicycle or an exercise machine, stay on a flat surface and increase your distance slowly. The AAOS recommends peddling backward on a stationary bike as you gradually gain your strength back. You can track your activity and time yourself to make it more challenging. As with cycling, your knees move in a circular motion, which means you can go for longer distances.

An elliptical machine is a great alternative to running because you can move faster than walking, without the impact.

Gentle stretching is a great way to avoid stiffness, improve your flexibility, and boost the overall health of your knee. This will help prevent extra strain on your knee.

If you feel any knee pain, modify the exercise or consider taking a break. Lifting weights helps build strength and diminish knee pain. Your bones will also grow and become stronger if you practice resistance training. Use weights that are appropriate for your size and strength. Check with your doctor before engaging in a weightlifting program. If necessary, consult with a physical therapist or trainer to map out a regimen.

These basic exercises rely on simple, rhythmical movements, and help build strength while increasing flexibility. Gradually work your way up until you can cover longer distances without discomfort.

Doing too much exercise can lead to pain and swelling, hindering your recovery. Are you considering knee replacement surgery for yourself or a loved one? We know the questions and concerns can be daunting. OrthoBethesda is here to help. Our team of medical professionals and PTs can walk you through every step of your recovery. Book your consultation appointment today.

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline Most patients are discharged one day after surgery. Although everyone progressed at a different pace based on numerous factors, some common timeframes are: 3 weeks after surgery: At this point, you should be able to walk for more than 10 minutes at a time, without a walker or crutches. Your physical therapist may challenge you to go on longer walks and stop using an assistive device like a cane. At this point, you should be able to walk for several blocks at a time and may even be able to pick up hobbies like swimming and cycling.

As your therapy program ends around the week mark, stick with your walking schedule and gradually challenge yourself to walk further and longer. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Many patients having joint replacement surgery are curious about which activities are safe to perform after their surgical procedure.

While healthcare providers often recommend specific sports which should be safe and those to avoid, there is remarkably little scientific information about which are safe. Most advice is based on opinion rather than on actual data. That said, there are some guidelines to help patients determine which activities are safe. The Knee Society recommends specific activities for patients with total knee replacement, these include:.

One study on golf after knee replacement found that the golf swing places higher forces than jogging on the knee implant. Specifically, the forward knee of the golfer is stressed significantly during the golf swing. Therefore, patients should be cautious about playing golf after a knee replacement. If you want to return to a higher impact sport or fitness activity, the results of a study reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are very encouraging.

They found that patients who returned to a high-impact sport or heavy manual labor had the same differences in the durability of the implants as those who followed recommendations to avoid those activities. The researchers noted that prostheses are better-made and stronger than those produced in the past. However, they did find that powerlifting was bad for the knees. These lists are meant to give patients an idea of what to expect if they undergo knee replacement surgery.

Discuss your goals with your healthcare provider and when you might return to your favorite activity or what new activities you can consider.