Walking and knee movement are very important for recovery. Usually the first day after surgery, you will  begin to work with a physical therapist who will teach you exercises to regain full leg and knee movement. During your hospital stay, you will have physical therapy one to two times a day. An occupational therapist and nurse discharge planner will help you to prepare for your home trip.

A.         Promote Blood Circulation:  You will start to use the Circulation Machine to promote blood circulation. Exercise at least 2 to 3 times day, every 20 minutes.

B.         Sustained Passive Flexion Movement: To assist operated knee bend, you will start to use the Continue Passive Motion machine .Your degree of knee bend will depend on your pain tolerance. The goal is to increase the bend 10-15 degrees every day. Do this exercise 2 to 3 times per day for 30 minutes.

C.         Heel Sliding Exercise: Lie on your back with both legs straight. Slowly slide the heel of the operated leg toward your body. This exercise is to help you to extend the range of motion of your lower extremities. Do this exercise 3 to 4 times per day for about 5 to 10 minutes.

D.         Straight Leg Raise Exercise: Lie flat on your back. Place the heel of the leg that was not operated on flat on the bed and slide it towards your body at about 45degree angle. Lift the leg you had the operation on as high as you can, while keeping it straight. Do this for 10 seconds and then slowly bring your leg down to the bed. This exercise will increase the strength of the quadriceps muscle.

E.          Your doctor may recommend a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine that bends and straightens your knee. You may be given special elastic stockings to reduce swelling. An anticoagulant medication, such as lovenox, also may be administered to help circulation and prevent blood clot.