The surgery process often leads to immediate changes to the health and function of the knee. It is very likely that the knee is swollen, stiff, sore, and painful. These are normal outcomes and will resolve over time. During this time it is important to assist the body recovery and repair.
Some typical exercises and strategies to promote healing are;
- Icing to the knee
- Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon is useful initially to allow you to get the knee moving
- Compression garments and elevation of the leg while lying down
- Some exercises that are often prescribed in early rehabilitation include, knee range of motion, thigh muscle activation, and light leg strengthening (i.e. calf raises, gluteal exercises) and walking.
Normal knee movement
Mild to no swelling in the knee
Normal walking technique
Good thigh and leg muscle activation