To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

  •  
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Related Reading

    Conditioning Before Knee Replacement

    Conditioning your body before knee replacement can help speed your recovery. Daily exercise helps strengthen muscles that support the knee joint. Aerobic activity (exercise that raises your heart rate) can improve fitness. It can also help you reach or maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on your knee. Before beginning any exercise program, talk with your healthcare provider.

    Low-impact exercise

    Try exercise that doesn’t put too much weight on your knee, such as riding a stationary bike or swimming. This helps build strength in your knee with little stress on the joint. Start slowly. Then try to do a little more each day. Stop any exercise that causes increasing pain. You can also ask your healthcare provider or physical therapist about ways to manage pain during exercise.

    Man using exercise bike.

    Pool exercise

    Exercising in a pool is a gentle way to exercise muscles. It can improve balance and coordination. A physical therapist may work with you in a pool therapy program. You can also try pool walking on your own. Stand in waist-deep to chest-deep water with your arms out to the sides. Slowly walk forward. To keep from overdoing, ask your physical therapist or surgeon for guidelines on how long to exercise. They can also give you tips on pool safety.

    Note

     Speak with your healthcare provider if: 

    • You have questions about the exercises

    • You have more pain or swelling in your knee after exercise

    Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
    Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 11/1/2021
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer