There are a multitude of exercises that are done after you have had a knee replaced. The order in which you receive them will depend on a amount of dissimilar issues however, one exercise that you will want to improve to will be the partial mini squat.
This is a full weight bearing exercise where you find a stable surface like your kitchen counter for instance. You naturally hold onto the counter with both hands then moderately lower yourself down unto you get to approximately a 45-55-degree angle. You then hold that position for a slow count of five then, return back to a full standing position. Avoid hyperextending your knee when you come up. If you return to the beginning position moderately you should prevent this.
You can start this exercise using 10-12 reps and, moderately build up to 20 to 25 reps. What I have found working with older adults while doing this exercise is that the movement is felt more in the calf muscle then in the thighs. The infer for this is lack of ankle mobility. As we age like all joints unless they are exercised and stretched they tend to compact and the range of motion is reduced.
To get the full effects of the mini squat to stimulate the quadriceps, naturally elevate the heels. This then takes the ankle and calf component out. You can either use a telephone book for instance or a block of wood like a piece of 2x4. Anything that will not slide and, elevate the heels will do the trick. The elevation though should not be anymore then two to four inches. Elevate your heels then you will feel a big discrepancy as the emphasis is now on the thighs and less on the calf.
This exercise builds power in the thigh muscles and helps with your static standing balance. As your legs get stronger with this exercise you then find you will moderately change from a walker to a singular point cane.
All restoration protocols join this exercise somewhere in it. The timing may depend on the restoration expert or orthopedic surgeons protocol. Make sure though this is an exercise that gets introduced to you for a flourishing restoration outcome.
