Need exercise options after knee surgery

Queen2day

I am having knee surgery this next week for a torn meniscus I will also be doing physical therapy afterwards for approximately 4 weeks, but I was wondering if anyone could provide alternative exercises. I have been doing a lot of walking, but I'm sure that will be limited, at least initially. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

CherylP67

I had surgery last year for that and other issues. Listen to your doc and do what they suggest. My PT gave me exercises to work on at home. I couldn't believe the restrictions I was on, but I listened and I'm now running, lunging, squatting, with no issue.

Azdak

Assuming an uncomplicated surgery, you should be able to get on a stationary bike fairly quickly. But the best thing to do is to get into therapy ASAP and follow their directions.

Immediately post surgery, your goals are really to work on reducing the swelling and working on range of motion. That means a lot of icing, a lot of wrapping, and frequent, short bouts of low-level strength and range of motion exercises (e.g. straight-leg leg lifts, lying in bed or on the floor and sliding your heel as far as possible towards your butt.)

hendelk

I had surgery last year for that and other issues. Listen to your doc and do what they suggest. My PT gave me exercises to work on at home. I couldn't believe the restrictions I was on, but I listened and I'm now running, lunging, squatting, with no issue.

^This^
Each surgery and surgeon are different regarding their restrictions and recommendations. They may get into surgery and do a lot more or less than they had originally planned so exercise limitations could vary greatly. Most likely you won't be able to "exercise" for the first few weeks or even months, except for very specific exercises given to you by physical therapy.
Good luck on your surgery!!

janupshaw

I fractured my knee & my Doctor only wanted me to swim or bike.