Exercises to help leg muscles

[katieoxo60]

Hello all , I recently had a knee replacement but am having difficulty straightening my leg its slightly bent all the time since before op & still so. Physio is working with me to try to improve this . Just wondered if anyone else had a similar issue where perhaps specific exercises maybe helped. Or is it just a case of perseverance & time. Thanks for any suggestions anyone might have.

[DorsetLady]

Just perseverance and time unfortunately!

If you don't already, sit on dining chair - with another facing you - on which you put your operated leg - so you have nothing under your new knee.

Stretch out your leg - it will probably pull on back of knee - so hold for a 30 seconds or so initially building up over a time to five minutes.

You can add extra pressure by pushing hands down on knee - but not until you have built up a bit more strength.

Try 2-3 times a day, 3 repetitions -which can be built up as well.

Obviously if it hurts rather than just a pull, stop

[katieoxo60 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you I have been struggling with that exercise and yesterday the physio tried pressure on the knee with bad pain consequences, she as come up with an easier way to try but fears its due to the time the joints been like that , which may mean more perseverance. Glad to know its not just me . .

[Dodie117]

I have not had a knee replacement but I have knee issues. My brother in law has had both knees done plus one hip. Both of us have been advised by different physios to get indoor exercise bikes and use them at low setting.

This has helped. Not sure if this advisable for you but check with your physio.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Dodie117]

Used to go to the NHS rehab gym and do bike work but it was not good for me, due to arthritis in feet. Not sure if it would be a bit better now. Got rid of my bike at home a couple of years ago. There is no perfect solution for all , we must try and find what helps us best individually. Glad to hear it works for you both. Stay well & safe.

[Batty1]

I have not had knee replacement but my last surgery for knee issues left me exactly as you described “unable” to straighten the leg.

I don’t know if your physio will allow this but I would lay on my belly on my bed with just my legs hanging off and allow the weight of my legs to help straighten my knee it.... HURT like mad and took a long time of repeating this action for weeks but finally I could do it without too much pain!

[katieoxo60 in reply to Batty1]

Hello there, thank you my physio said that particular exercise might be difficult due to my lung conditions . But I might give it a try now I am beginning to get over the op and can do quite a few exercises without pain. Have a good day.

[Batty1 in reply to katieoxo60]

Oh, then I wouldn’t lay on your belly if you have lung issues. It stinks when things don’t pan out right after surgery!

Good luck

[Kneesandtoes]

Try Bob & Brad, two American physiotherapists on YouTube. If I wasn’t so rubbish at copying I’d find you one on exercises after knee surgery, I know they have made some. Do not be put off by their jollyness and jargon. They have a lot of experience between them.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Kneesandtoes]

Thank you , will look them up later today.