Preparing for knee replacement surgery can be a stressful process, with a lot of anxiety around the major surgery. Preparing for it now can help make the entire process much smoother, easier, and faster. Pre-operative planning, including prehab (rehabilitation before surgery) is important to properly prepare for knee surgery, and there are even some knee exercises you can do at home! Before you do any, however, we do recommend that you speak with a physical therapist or your surgeon first (prior to any new preoperative exercise program).
Understanding knee replacement surgery
Before diving into how to prep for knee surgery, it’s important to understand what the operation is like. This surgical procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting, where patients receive post-operative care and rehabilitation to regain function. Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty, aims to alleviate severe knee and joint pain caused by conditions like knee arthritis. It can be beneficial, and at times necessary, for individuals living with excruciating discomfort that hinders their everyday activities.
Here are several ways to gain a deeper understanding of the operation:
- Consult your orthopedic surgeon — They can provide detailed explanations, discuss risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have.
- Attending pre-operative educational classes — Often provided by hospitals or physical therapy clinics, can help you understand the post-operative recovery process and what to expect during your hospital stay.
- Speaking with a physical therapist before surgery — Can help you understand the range of motion improvements and mobility support techniques you’ll need during recovery.
Taking these steps will ensure you feel confident and well-prepared for your knee replacement procedure.
Knee Prehab Exercises
There are a variety of prehab exercises for mobility and flexibility for you to perform, which can help with injury prevention.
We recommend speaking with your physician or a physical therapist before performing these, as a therapist can help make sure you’re doing them with proper form and select the best knee strengthening exercises for your unique needs.
1. Heel Slides
With heel slides, start by lying on your back. Slowly and with control, straighten your legs out fully. Then bend your knee by slowly sliding your heel towards the buttocks.
2. Quad Sets
Sit or lie down, with your legs straight out in front of you. Then, tighten your quadriceps. Think of the back of the knee as pressing down to the floor. Tighten that muscle on top of your thigh and hold for 5-10 seconds.
3. Short Arc Quads
Prop your leg up, with either a foam roller or towel placed under your knee. Slowly straighten the knee you intend to have surgery on by lifting your foot up, but still continue to keep your thigh/knee on the rolled towel. Lift, tighten, then bring back.
4. Clamshells
Lie on your side, with your heels together, and the surgical knee pointing towards the ceiling. Keeping the heels together, open and close your legs like a clamshell. Complete 5-15 repetitions, for up to 3 sets.
5. Foam Rolling
There are many benefits of foam rolling, but your positioning on a foam roller will depend on what type of surgery you had or are going to have. Talk with your physical therapist to get the best foam rolling tips for your needs.
6. Straight Leg Raises
Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Tighten your quadriceps and slowly lift your straight leg about 12 inches off the ground. Hold for a few seconds, then lower it back down with control. Repeat 10-15 times on each leg.
7. Seated Knee Extensions
Sit on a sturdy chair with both feet flat on the floor. Slowly extend your surgical leg until it is straight, keeping your thigh on the chair. Hold for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
8. Standing Hamstring Curls
Stand next to a sturdy surface for support. Slowly bend your surgical leg at the knee, bringing your heel towards your glutes. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down with control. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
When it comes to how to prepare for knee replacement surgery, working with a physical therapist can be effective. There are so many benefits to seeing a Physical Therapist before a major surgery. Prehabilitation can be just as important as rehab itself. It’s been proven to help:
- Minimize the pain of recovery from a surgical procedure
- Streamline the post-op plan of scheduling
- Improve functional mobility & strength
- Get a head start on post-op exercises prior to surgery
- Patients can become familiar with their post-op physical therapist
The Ivy Prehab Rehabilitation Physical Therapy plan is an investment in your post-op recovery. As our patient, you’ll receive concierge care, from your orthopedic surgeon to the physical therapist. You’ll receive a detailed and structured prehab program consisting of daily exercises to prepare you for surgery and help you achieve your goals for your new knee. You can book your appointment by clicking here.
Article by Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS, CEEAA
Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS, CEEAA is a practicing physical therapist and a partner and Director of Clinical Services at Ivy Rehab Network. Deur is board certified as a geriatric clinical specialist and certified exercise expert for aging adults with more than 35 years of clinical experience. She is certified as an aquatic and oncology rehabilitation specialist and serves as adjunct faculty at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.
