Getting The Most Out Of A Stationary Bike After Knee Surgery
Question: How can I maintain the gains Ive achieved in Range of Motion and leg strength after my in-home X10 Therapy rehabilitation is complete?
Only X10 Therapy monitors, records and graphs your daily rehabilitation progress in Range of Motion and Leg Strength. Here are some recommendations on how to optimize and maintain your progress.
Starting X10 Therapy prior to surgery delivers faster and better post-surgery results
Our studies show that starting X10 Therapy at least one week prior to surgery enables patients to regain lost strength before surgery and accelerates their recovery after surgery.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Phase: X10s data driven approach.
Once our patients have reached acceptable levels of both Range of Motion and Strength we recommend continuing your daily therapy until you reach a plateau over several days with no setbacks.
A Stationary Bike can help you maintain your newly gained strength and flexibility:
You are ready to go back to the activities of daily living, but how can you prevent regressing once your X10 Therapy has ended? Several of our patients have found that a stationary bike can help patients keep the extension, flexion and strength theyve worked so hard to achieve during X10 Therapy.
X10 Therapy and a stationary bike were a winning combination for Melissa
One of the most exciting stationary bike brands out there today is Peloton. Melissa used her Peloton both before and after bilateral knee replacement.
How Much Pain Can I Expect After A Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is often considered more painful than a total hip replacement.
The first 24-48 hours after the procedure your anesthesia from the surgery will help manage the initial pain response.
Follow your surgeons guidance for dosing your medication, but many clients will say after the first 48 hours the pain may intensify but should always be manageable.
The pain should never reach the point of agony. A pain level of 7 out of 10 on the Mankoski Pain Scale is described as Makes it difficult to concentrate, interferes with sleep. You can still function with effort. Stronger painkillers are only partially effective.
If your pain levels reach a 7 it is recommended you contact your surgical team.
Exerpeutic 400xl Exercise Bike
If you live in a small apartment or condo with limited space, the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is a perfect option because it can easily be folded to half of its original size and stored when not in use. Its compact size also makes it a more portable option. Its quite useful for those who lead an active lifestyle.
Besides ease of storage and mobility, this exercise bike is also designed with functionality in mind. It comes with hand pulse sensors that will help you to monitor important heart rate data and a 3-piece crank system for smooth pedaling.
The bike has a recumbent design as well as a large well-padded seat designed to keep you comfortable as you exercise. The functional features of this bike are designed to support you in the recovery process, especially after knee replacement surgery.
If youre looking for a basic rehab exercise bike with some of the essential features, the Exerpeutic 400XL is a great choice.
Pros
Recommended Reading: How Long To Get Over Knee Replacement Surgery
Extra Content: How To Prevent Cycling Knee Pain With A Complete Stretching Program
Cycling Knee Pain is a major concern for many cyclists. Heres an easy way to prevent cycling knee pain, with a set of simple stretches and also some basic exercises, if you want to be even more proactive!
My post called Average Joe Cyclists Miraculous Cheap Cure for Cycling Knee Pain is by far my most popular post ever. This shows how common the problem is.
Why Should I Exercise With Knee Arthritis
Ive written before about the benefits of exercise when it comes to knee arthritis. You can find out more here. It does really help people get control of their pain and has other benefits too. Exercise is proven to be the most effective treatment for mild and moderate osteoarthritis of your joints. Exercise can help you live longer, it decreases the risks of muscle loss , frailty and osteoporosis.
Also Check: What Is The Best Knee Brace For Osteoarthritis
No 10 Leg Raises On Stomach
This exercise differs from the others as it focuses on the back of your knee and your hamstrings and gluts . Lying on your stomach you will do a similar movement by raising your straight leg off the ground 3-4 inches. In this position its not always easy to keep your leg straight, so a slight bend is okay.
Focus on flexing the muscles on the back of your thigh and bum and repeat with other leg.
2 Sets x 10 leg raises
Does Cycling Wear Out Knee Replacement
Cycling does not wear out knee replacement. In fact, cycling is often recommended as a form of exercise for people with knee replacements. Cycling is a low-impact activity that can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
Is knee replacement surgery more harmful than not doing it? Cycling West, Inc. By Bill Roland Eric Heiden M.D. won five gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in speed skating. He rode for the 7-11 team in the 1986 Tour de France, just six years after he was part of the 11-13 team in the 1986 Tour. In determining whether a patient requires surgery, a patients X-rays are more important than MRIs. Rehabilitation and physical therapy play a critical role in 90% of the best outcomes. According to Dr. Heiden, the patient must be extremely devoted to the patients recovery after surgery. As long as the patient is not experiencing pain, is able to tolerate the swelling and pain, and is able to stretch, he or she is usually able to ease off pain medication.
Recommended Reading: What Exercises To Do Before Knee Replacement Surgery
How Much Knee Flexion Will I Need During Cycling
This depends on the kind of bike you choose. A general rule of thumb is about 90 degrees of flexion to complete a full revolution. If you move the seat closer to the pedals you will need more.
If you cheat a bit and move your seat further away from the pedals you may complete a revolution with less knee flexion.
Next, as your range of motion improves you would move the seat closer to a more normalized position.
Take Your Outdoor Cycling Slowly
After about 4-6 weeks of indoor cycling, your doctor will permit you to ride outdoors. We want to advise you to take it super slow and be careful. Make sure you stop right away when you feel excessive pain.
After you gain confidence in riding a bike, you might want to add a little resistance to your physical activity to improve your leg muscles’ strength and endurance.
Try it only when your physical therapist permits you to do the same. Your therapist will help you to determine the right amount of resistance needed. Even a slight pain shouldn’t be ignored. Don’t hesitate to inform your physical therapist and reduce the extra resistance immediately.
Biking is considered to be the most crucial component to regain your ROM and improve your recovery rate. Besides cycling, your therapist will also ask you to undergo other physical activities like walking and stair climbing to work on your functional mobility. Take your physical therapies seriously and stay consistent in regularly doing it to maximize your chances of full recovery.
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How Should You Sleep After Knee Replacement
The best sleeping position just after your surgery is sleeping on your back. You should make sure that your operative leg stays as straight as possible to avoid hypertension of the knee and keep proper blood flow to the surgery site. If you are sleeping on your back, put the pillow under your calf and knee.
Final Tips For Returning To Activity After Knee Surgery
The most important thing you can do to prepare for resuming cycling after knee replacement surgery is to keep all of your scheduled follow-up appointments, follow the exercise and therapy routines recommended to you, and avoid overdoing it.
Thanks to Our Guest Author
Dr. Nakul Karkare is a trusted knee and hip replacement surgeon based in New York City and Long Island. For more information, visit newyorkhipknee.com.
Also Check: Who To Go To For Knee Pain
Get The Right Equipment
Machines were created to help the human species accomplish its task more efficiently and, most importantly, with ease. In the same way, choosing the right tools can ease your stress and save you a lot of trouble choosing the right bike can go a long way in easing your journey into healing and getting back on the saddle. It is better if the rider chooses a bike with a b long-range of gears. Getting an electric bike, such as the KBO Breeze or the KBO Breeze Step-Thru, is the ideal alternative for additional convenience in getting on the bike. An electric bike gives you the option of enjoying the swift gliding feeling of Cycling without pedaling with its throttle from rest. You can enjoy over five levels of pedal assist, giving you up to 55 miles of riding on a single charge the KBO Breeze has a Shimano 7-speed gear shifter and a 5-level pedal-assist feature, allowing it to reach a speed of 22 mph with just the throttle. Youll stress less and get more efficiency with just little pedal power, Given that youre still recuperating and getting back into shape. Should you experience any pain or discomfort in your knees, you may easily switch from pedaling to simply cruising. Having an electric bike to commute after a knee replacement surgery is a very good idea. It will be the best gift for your parents.
Anatomy Of Knee Joint
The femur, tibia, and patella are the three bones with two articulations i.e. tibiofemoral and patellofemoral that make up the knee joint. It is a hinge type synovial joint that allows flexion and extension with small amounts of medial and lateral rotation. The ends of the femur and tibia, along with the back of the patella, are covered in articular cartilage. While the meniscus cartilage cushions the joint and functions as a shock absorber. There are four bursae that help to protect the structures from wear and tear. The knee joint is stabilized by ligaments that support, protect and attach the bones together. They also regulate and control any unexpected movement that may occur.
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Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Summary: High speed, good ergonomic setup Schwinn 270 recumbent exercise bike has dual track LCD monitors, media shelf, in-console speakers with MP3 input connection, USB media charging, an adjustable fan, bluetooth connectivity and 29 programs. There are 25 levels to select from, which makes it an excellent alternative for a knee-pain stationary bike because it has numerous settings based on what you find the least uncomfortable. The excellent thing is that the bike is ideal for cardiac workout. Its quiet, doesnt use a lot of power, is well-made, and isnt too difficult to assemble. You can select from a variety of pre-programmed exercises and set your own time goal. Very sturdy and heavy. Controls are easy to use, start on pedal movement and auto shut off when done. Comfortable seat with an effective heart monitor and bright display that is super easy to read and understand. Perfect for those with mobility issues, hip replacement surgery, degenerative arthritis or bad knees with no discomfort or pain.
Why Recumbent Bikes Are The Best Exercise Bikes For Knee Replacement Rehab
There are basically two popular kinds of exercise bikes â recumbent and upright.
The difference between them is simple enough:
Recumbent bikes allow you to sit back while you pedal, while upright bikes make no such provision, and on these you are sitting in an upright position like you normally would on a pedal bike.
This is why recumbent exercise bikes are preferred over upright bikes for knee replacement rehabilitation.
When rehabilitating your knees, you need a device that will work your muscles as thoroughly as possible while going ââââeasy on the joints and allowing their motion to be as smooth and relaxed as possible.
And because you’re sitting and leaning back on a recumbent bike, this is exactly what happens.
Recumbent exercise bikes take the stress off your knees as much as possible, allowing you to rehab them in the best way possible.
So, without a doubt, recumbent exercise bikes are the best option for knee replacement rehabilitation.
Benefits Recumbent Bikes Provide over Other Exercise Bike
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What Exercises Should Be Avoided After Knee Replacement
Baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, jogging, rock climbing, hang gliding, parachuting, and high-impact aerobics are all examples of activities that should be avoided.
In general, knee replacement surgery is designed to restore joint function and reduce pain by replacing the joint with an artificial one. By 2030, it is expected that 3.5 million patients will be treated in the United States for their conditions. When youre recovering, you should avoid certain exercises and movements. When running, the amount of force exerted on a knee joint is about three times greater than when walking. Contact sports or activities that cause sudden knee twisting or jerking should be avoided. Cycling, golf, and swimming are all low-impact sports that can help you remain active after surgery. Most people are able to resume their daily activities within three months of surgery. Falls and activities that put you at risk of twisting your knee are two of the most dangerous. If you are unsure whether an activity is safe, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Advantages Of Using An Exercise Bike After Injury
Using an exercise bike has many benefits for the entire body. Not only does it improve cardiovascular health and aerobic capacity, it also improves and supports oxygen rich blood circulation and provides a much needed endorphin boost.
The main advantages of cycling on an exercise bike after a knee injury are increased range of motion and low load rehabilitation with increased stability vs outdoor cycling, as well as decreased perception of pain â possibly due to the bodyâs natural endorphin response and reduced fear of movement .
This was evidenced in a ground-breaking study by Hoffman, M. in which participants with low back pain reported significantly less pain after thirty minutes of moderate intensity cycling on an exercise bike.
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Can I Ride A Bike After Knee Replacement Surgery
For the first couple of weeks after a total knee replacement surgery, one of the main goals is decreasing the swelling and reaching a full passive range of motion.
Being able to cycle after total knee replacement depends on getting your entire body back in motion as quickly as possible after the surgery.
The first step towards riding your bicycle is using a stationary bike during your physical therapy, as it is a great way to help maintain muscle tone and keep your knee flexible.
After about four to six weeks of stationary bike riding, you may be cleared to start riding your bike outside. Be sure to check with your doctor before doing so you need to make sure it is safe for you to do after your surgery.
Check With Your Doctor To See If You Need To Adjust Your Medications
Some medications can interfere with your recovery. Your doctor will give you detailed information about what medications you need to stop taking in the days leading up to your surgery.
Common types of medicines patients need to avoid for a certain amount of time before surgery include:
- Blood thinners Blood thinners can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin can also increase your risk of bleeding.
- Other medications Some types of antidepressants and medicines that help with neurological conditions called monoamine oxidase inhibitors can interfere with anesthesia. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor about any other vitamins or supplements youre taking. Theyll let you know if its safe to use those leading up to surgery.
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Is Exercise Bike Good After Knee Replacement
If you are wondering if an exercise bike is good after a knee replacement, the answer is usually yes. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, but an exercise bike is typically a good choice for people who have had a knee replacement. The low-impact nature of an exercise bike is easy on the joints, which is beneficial for people who have had a knee replacement.
It is common for exercise bikes to be used within 48 hours of knee replacement. Using pedal rocks, it is an exercise in which you place both feet on the pedals of your bike. For some patients, a reverse revolution is preferred at first until they can get better knee range of motion. Speed and distance can be increased by moving the seat closer to the pedals, while resistance can be increased by moving the seat more. Another option for increasing the intensity of exercise on a bike is interval training. Is a stationary bike appropriate after total knee replacement? Stationary bicycles come in four varieties.
What would happen if I couldnt complete an entire revolution on my pedals? What is the best way to use a recumbent bike even if my knee flexion is limited? How do I relax my thigh muscles? To alleviate pain, reduce guarding, and improve tissue mobility, a simple rolling pin massage may be beneficial.