Breast Stroke post TKR

Found this from a doc online...

"The general advice is that you can start swimming around six weeks after a knee replacement but wait for 12 weeks after the operation before attempting breaststroke.

Breaststroke relies heavily on flexible legs and knees to generate forward movement. The kick puts extra side-to-side stresses on your knees, but certainly doesn’t rule out this stroke after a knee replacement. Any imperfection in your technique increases the stress, so a couple of sessions with a swimming instructor might be a good idea."

Personally, it's that side-to-side stress that I'd be worried about.  Remember that you have to rebuild all your leg and hip muscles to support the new knee so, if I really, really wanted to do that stroke, I'd wait a long while until I was fully recovered and strong again, and even then, I'd talk to my surgeon after my one year checkup.

Here's a list of typical do's and don't's after a TKR.  Swimming is definitely on the OK side of the ledger but I'd still be careful with that stroke before you're ready and the doc says OK.

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/do-s-and-don-ts-after-a-tkr-a-typical-list-541794

Things have progressed so much in joint replacement over the years so no longer a problem.

Just try it, if your leg doesnt want to do it it will let you know xx

I was told not to do it . . but tried it inadvertently, and didn't like the feel of it. . .Actually did more exercises in a fairly shallow warm pool than actual swimming anyway./ 

Hi Jan

I've heard it's a no no. I tried to swim breasted stroke before my op but had to do normal kick with breast stroke arms if that makes sense. It felt really odd at first but I got used to it. It's what my sister in law does all the time!!

Do your own thing

Marilyn

XX

I was also told NO breast stroke kicking but the arm stroke itself is fine - that's actually a really good arm workout without the kick. That lateral movement of your knee is something to steer clear of early on in your recovery and you didn't really say how long ago you had your TKR. I would defer to your MD and PT for the final call. Regardless of advancements in TKR procedures it is still somthing you should be guided by your medical professional's recommendations. My TKR was only 6 months ago so the guidance I got is certainly not outdated. Good luck!!

I have been swimming twice a week doing breast stroke after two tkr both a year out now . Surgeon says it's ok  GP says no . I have. Found that knees complain after so have decided to stop swimming and find other ways of exercising 

Hi jan. I attempted it and it felt very weird. I have a rule, if it feels weird, I don't bother! Ha ha ha. Plenty of other strokes out there. I actually walk in water (not on water!) regularly. It feels wonderful and my muscle tone is improving. Good luck! 

I was told no frog kick ever again Bugeer it is my favourite.