The road to recovering from knee surgery can be a precarious one, and for many people, part of this journey is devising a well-structured exercise plan. While it's important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the type and amount of physical activity you should engage in after surgery, low-impact exercises may provide an optimal way to promote recovery without putting too much strain on your knees.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best low-impact exercises that are beneficial following knee surgery so that you can get back into shape while also giving your body ample time to heal properly.

Aqua Aerobics

Aqua aerobics is a form of exercise that can be conducted in shallow water, making it an ideal choice for those looking to avoid putting too much strain on their knees. 

This type of exercise makes use of the water's natural buoyancy and resistance properties to help strengthen your muscles without aggravating any pre-existing knee pain.

Yoga

Yoga is an excellent low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for those recovering from knee surgery. This form of physical activity focuses on stretching, breathing, and mindfulness exercises that work to improve both your core strength and joint flexibility. Additionally, it can help you increase your range of motion, which can be useful in ensuring a full recovery.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements and breathing exercises. This type of exercise focuses on providing the body with strength and balance while also improving coordination and flexibility. It's a great way to reconnect with your body after surgery, as it helps relieve stress and improve relaxation.

Stationary Cycling

Stationary cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up without putting any strain on your newly-repaired knee. 

This type of exercise mimics the motion of regular cycling and allows you to control the level of resistance, making it a safe and effective form of low-impact exercise. 

Additionally, it can help to promote circulation and strengthen the surrounding muscles, both of which can be beneficial for your recovery process.

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact form of physical activity that focuses on using your body weight to perform exercises that help build core strength, flexibility, and balance. It's particularly beneficial for those recovering from knee surgery, as it helps build strength in the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, which can be useful for providing extra support to your knees.

Conclusion

No matter what type of exercise you choose to do after knee surgery, it's important that you listen to your body and take time to rest when necessary. Additionally, it's a good idea to discuss your exercise routine with your doctor to ensure that it's both safe and beneficial for you. With the right combination of rest and low-impact exercise, you can make sure that you're properly recovering from knee surgery while also staying healthy.

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's finest outpatient surgery center focused on orthopedics and GI. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and surgical excellence.