Knee Therapy & Rehabilitation

Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure, and physical knee rehabilitation is crucial to a full recovery. In order for you to meet the goals of total knee surgery, you must take ownership of the rehabilitation process and work diligently on your own, as well as with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The knee rehabilitation process
following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful at times.

Your Orthopedic Surgeon and/or Physical Therapist will most likely assign a specific protocol to you, based on your rehabilitation needs. The following protocol is meant only to give you an idea of the kind of exercises you might do during rehabilitation. When in doubt about an exercise, follow the protocol outlined by your Surgeon and/or Physical Therapist.

After a knee injury or knee surgery, physical therapy at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance helps you relieve joint pain, increase your range of motion and improve your strength.

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Do I need knee therapy and rehab?

Take advantage of rehabilitation services at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital if you experience conditions such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Chondromalacia, a type of runner’s knee
  • Knee ligament injuries, including ACL, LCL, MCL or PCL tears
  • Meniscus tear
  • Patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee

Our rehabilitation program also fosters your recovery following your arthroscopic knee procedure, joint restoration surgery or minimally invasive, partial or total knee replacement procedure.

A person in black shorts holds their knee with both hands, highlighting pain or injury. The knee area is shown in red to indicate inflammation or discomfort.

Personalized Rehabilitation Guidance

At Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance, you’ll meet with a skilled physical therapist who will ask you about your symptoms, examine your knee and perform a few basic tests to determine your joint’s strength and flexibility. You’ll get guidance in setting rehabilitation goals, such as reducing pain, returning to everyday activities or resuming sports. To improve your odds of a full recovery, you’ll discover stretches and exercises to practice at home.

Early Rehabilitation

Your knee rehabilitation program begins in the hospital after surgery. Early goals of knee rehabilitation in the hospital are to reduce knee stiffness and maximize post-operative range of motion as well as to help you get ready for discharge. The following steps may be taken to help maximize your range of motion following surgery.

  • Strict adherence to the CPM protocol as prescribed by your surgeon
  • Early physical therapy (day 1 or 2) to begin range of motion exercises and walking program
  • Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression stocking, and elevation)
  • Adequate pain control so you can tolerate the rehabilitation regimen

Outpatient Physical Therapy

Your outpatient knee rehabilitation program will consist of a variety of exercises designed to help you regain range of motion in the knee and build strength in the muscles which support the knee. You will follow an advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated. A stationary cycle and walking program will be used to help increase range of motion and stamina, and an aquatic therapy program may be added as well.

Typical Home Exercises

Instructions in your home exercise program may include the exercises shown below. Consult your therapist regarding the appropriateness of the exercises and the number of reps.

Ankle Pumps

Flex ankle up and down.

A person lying down with one leg bent and the other straight, flexing the foot of the straight leg upward, demonstrating an ankle movement exercise. Two curved arrows indicate the motion of the foot.

Heel Slides

Flex your hip and knee. Return knee to the straight position.

A person lying on a mat with one knee bent and one leg extended, sliding the heel of the extended leg along the surface; a double-headed arrow indicates movement back and forth.

Quadriceps Sets

Tighten thigh muscles and hold for five seconds.

A person lies on a flat surface with one leg extended and a rolled towel under their knee, lifting their lower leg upward as indicated by three curved arrows.

Leg Lifts

Raise leg six inches above the floor, keeping knee straight.

A person lying down extends one leg straight with the foot flexed upward, while the other knee is bent; arrows indicate the raised leg is being lifted and lowered as part of an exercise.

Knee Flexion Stretch

Place a towel under your heel. Pull your knee towards your chest. Hold your knee in this flexed position for 15-20 seconds. Return knee to the straight position.

Person sitting on a red surface, using a white towel looped around their foot to gently pull their leg back with bent knee, suggesting a stretching or rehabilitation exercise. Two arrows indicate movement direction.

Knee Extension

Place a pillow under your knee. Lift your foot off the mat.

A person lies on their back with knees slightly bent, one lower leg resting on a blue foam roller. Arrows show the person lifting and lowering their foot, demonstrating a leg exercise.

At Home

There are several things you can do at home to make your knee rehabilitation more successful. First of all, do the home exercise program as prescribed by your physical therapist. Next, follow these suggestions for daily activities:

Sitting

Use a chair with arms to help you rise to a standing position. Avoid sitting for longer than an hour if possible. If you must sit for a longer time, elevate the foot to avoid swelling.

Walking

Do not put weight through the joint until you’ve been cleared to do so by your surgeon.

Lifting

Do not lift more than ten pounds.

Showering

Showering is preferable to bathing because of difficulties getting in and out of the tub.

Exercising

Do the exercises that were recommended by your doctor and physical therapist. Go to physical therapy as prescribed and get advice from your therapist as to whether you’re doing the exercises correctly.

Getting Into a Car and Driving

Get into a car by sitting on the edge of the seat, then pulling in the legs and turning to face forward. Driving is usually not recommended for the first six weeks post-op. Talk with your surgeon about driving sooner.

Long-Term Knee Rehabilitation Goals

Once you’ve completed your knee rehabilitation therapy, you can expect a range of motion from 100-120 degrees of knee flexion, mild or no pain with walking or other functional activities, and independence with all activities of daily living.

Three older adults exercise indoors, performing squats with arms extended forward. The group appears energetic and focused, with a woman in a purple top smiling at the front of the class. Mirrors and gym equipment are in the background.

Start Your Knee Rehabilitation Today

If you have questions about knee therapy and rehabilitation or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our team in Southeastern Wisconsin is here to guide you through every step of your recovery.

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