When an injury, arthritis, or other orthopedic issue is causing chronic pain that limits your mobility, total knee replacement can provide a long-term solution. But while this procedure may restore greater movement to your leg, it will only be after several months of healing. After you come home from the surgery center, rest and relaxation are recommended to promote recovery. However, you should also engage in some light exercises meant to restore strength and flexibility. Here's a closer look at some of the suggested workouts.

3 Exercises to Help With Knee Replacement Recovery

1. Leg Slides

Lie on your bed with one leg down and the other bent at the knee. Then, carefully, try to raise the straight leg so that it hovers above the bed by about a foot. If you feel yourself straining too much to maintain this position, lower your leg and repeat the exercise using the opposite side. Eventually, you will be able to keep your legs aloft for longer and longer periods.

2. Ankle Pumps and Rotation

While still lying down, direct your toes towards the ceiling. Then, flex your foot backward so your toes are pointed at your chest. Hold for a few seconds and then move the ankle forward so that your toes are now pointed at the wall. Next, rotate your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise in a circular motion. If performed several times a day, these orthopedic exercises can help improve your range of motion, reduce swelling, and strengthen the knee.

3. Sitting Kicks

Sitting kicks are a good way to gradually improve the flexibility of the knee while strengthening quadricep muscles. For this orthopedic activity, you’ll want to sit in a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Hold on to the arms of the chair for stability and slowly lift the recovering leg up until the knee is straight. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat.

When you want to get the best results from your knee replacement surgery, turn to Santiam Hospital for advanced orthopedic care. Backed by experienced specialists and a well-equipped surgery center, this Stayton, OR, hospital guides patients through the procedure in a calm, compassionate, and competent fashion. After a successful surgery, this health center also has resources to ensure you get back to your daily activities with confidence. Visit this hospital of the Mid-Willamette Valley online or call (503) 769-2175 to learn more about scheduling a procedure.