Whether you suffered an injury or have been living with arthritis, pain and immobility of the knee joint can wreak havoc on your life. Fortunately, knee replacement surgeries offer effective and efficient relief for 9 out of 10 patients who undergo the procedure. Of course, following your doctor's instructions after the surgery is essential for a successful recovery. Certain exercises can help reduce inflammation and swelling while improving the strength of your new knee joint. With this guide and your therapist's help, you will learn a few low impact exercises to strengthen your knee.

Knee Pushes

One of the easiest exercises you can do at home is a pushing movement of the knee. All you need is your floor and a towel to work out your quad muscles while improving your pain level and mobility of your knee.

To get started, lay flat on the floor with your legs extended out. Roll out a towel and place it under your ankles. Tighten your quad muscles (thighs), which will pull the knees down towards the floor. Hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds before releasing. Repeat a few times per day.

Elliptical

Walking around a track or on a treadmill is a great way to build stamina, improve blood circulation, and boost your overall mood, but walking on these harder surfaces can place a great deal of pressure on your knee. Thankfully, moving on an elliptical machine will offer the same benefits of walking without the unnecessary stress on your new knee joint.

Use the elliptical machine for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Practice using the repaired knee by pushing on the elliptical pedal a bit harder than the non-repaired knee. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation while strengthening connecting ligaments and muscles.

Leg Slides

You may experience some stiffness after your knee replacement surgery. This is a normal part of recovery, but you can reduce this immobility and discomfort by performing this simple exercise.

Lay on your back with a towel or exercise mat underneath you for support. Extend the leg with the knee that was not surgically repaired out in front of you while bending the repaired knee. Make sure the heel of your foot on the leg with the repaired knee is close to your buttocks. Keep the position in place for 10 to 20 seconds before releasing. Repeat multiple times.

Performing this exercise will reduce stiffness by restoring your knee's range of motion after surgery.

A knee replacement is an excellent procedure if you have been living with an injury or arthritis, but you must take the necessary steps for a complete recovery. Be sure to contact your doctor before beginning any new exercise plan or physical therapy after surgery.