Workout suggestions for a knee injury

sokkache
sokkache Posts: 220 Member
edited November 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently have a sprained knee and cannot work out anything that strains my knee for a few more weeks. I know I have my PT exercises and my PT recommended light cardio but I am wondering what that entails. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions on exercises (specifically cardio) for this recovery time

Replies

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    edited April 2018
    Look for moves and exercises called “low impact”. No jumping up and down. Maybe modify to rising up on your toes and back. Try cycling. Let your body be your guide.

    [Edited to add] swimming, walking. Especially walking on soft surfaces like grass.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    sokkache wrote: »
    I know I have my PT exercises and my PT recommended light cardio but I am wondering what that entails.

    Call and ask them. They know your injury better than we do. Following random advice could make it worse. :+1:
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    Can you swim or Aqua-jog? Or if there is a physical therapist with an alter-g treadmill - you run in a bubble with no impact
  • Leannep2201
    Leannep2201 Posts: 441 Member
    I badly tore a tendon last September. Nearly as good as it’s going to be now, so recently I’ve been able to walk more.
    I used a stationary bike while it was still sore. It didn’t seem to hurt my knee at all, during or after exercise.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    sokkache wrote: »
    I know I have my PT exercises and my PT recommended light cardio but I am wondering what that entails.

    Call and ask them. They know your injury better than we do. Following random advice could make it worse. :+1:

    I can never figure out why: a) if you are in PT for an injury, you don’t just ask the therapist for specifics about what you should do at home; b) if you are in PT for an injury, and the therapist recommends “light cardio”, they don’t proactively give you specific activities and instructions.

    I’m not criticizing the OP, because this seems to come up all the time.
  • kastrophe
    kastrophe Posts: 4 Member
    get in the water - aquafitness/swimming/waterjogging ...
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    sokkache wrote: »
    I know I have my PT exercises and my PT recommended light cardio but I am wondering what that entails. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions on exercises (specifically cardio) for this recovery time

    If you don't know what your PT means by light cardio then ask them. It's really that simple. Light cardio that is good for some injuries is not going to be appropriate for others. For instance, people have been throwing out "swimming" but not actually specifying which stroke (or perhaps more appropriately, which strokes to avoid).

    Ask your PT - your have contradictions (as evidenced by not being allowed to do more than light cardio) and none of us a. know your medical history and b. are qualified to give you what is essentially medical advice.
  • traceyjj
    traceyjj Posts: 406 Member
    I have a knee condition and i swim, i go to aqua aerobics, and walk in the water, all of these help me with my fitness, however as someone else has said, ask your PT and if they can't advise, try walking in the water, but listening to your body, if it hurts, stop
  • MichelleLaree13
    MichelleLaree13 Posts: 865 Member
    Swimming might be good. I would honestly focus on strength training and let your body heal. Back, chest, abs, biceps and triceps. There aren’t a ton of leg exercises I can think of... It is surprising how a little strength training makes cardio easier
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