Patellar Realignment Surgery
The kneecap is one of the more problematic areas of the knee joint, especially when it is misaligned or there is trauma or damage. Physical therapy is crucial after kneecap surgery. Perform these exercises during recovery.
Quad Sets
You'll start with quad sets and repeat them throughout your physical therapy. The quadriceps muscles are largely responsible for your knee's stability, and they are the first muscles to "shut down" when the knee has been traumatized. Your therapist will instruct you to tighten the ring of muscles surrounding your kneecap, and then press your knee into the ground as you are sitting or lying. Repeat this at least 20 times, each time fully relaxing the muscles in between contractions. It hurts, but it's necessary.
Heel Slides
It's also important to regain your range of motion. When you come out of surgery and for several weeks after, the joint will be swollen and stiff. It will not be able to bend or flex to its pre-surgery levels. Range of motion exercises are designed to get this back, and heel slides will help Sit down with your legs in front of you. Place a towel or band around the ball of your foot and hold the ends in your hands. Bend your knee placing your foot flat on the floor. Raise your foot, and using your hands to help, pull the heel toward your rear end as far as you can go, slowly. It will hurt. Go as far as you can, then push the heel back to where it was. Repeat.
Leg Lifts
Do multiple sets of these and perform them while you are prone, legs out in front of you. Tighten the ring of muscles around the knee as you do in a quad set, and then lift the leg straight up into the air. You will do this 20 times, rest, and repeat. Both legs will be worked. This strengthens the quad muscles and helps rehab the knee. Side leg raises and rear leg raises will also be performed.
Tags: your foot, your knee, legs front, ring muscles, your hands
