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Knee extension

Posted , 8 users are following.

jen04209
jen04209

Besides things the physical therapist says, what has helped you to get full extension? Thanks

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • fostersmith61
    fostersmith61 jen04209

    Posted

    Try using Coban elastic material which should have been supplied to u. Wrap around the foot, raise the leg and push down (ouch). Flex the foot (toe to the sky). Repeat this throughout the day while being a cauch potato.Also, "hang your foot" on a higher level chair than u are sitting on. This will stretch all

    Muscles in back of leg

  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 jen04209

    Posted

    Sit on a high stool, on a cushion if need be, and swing your legs, back and forth.

    it was one of the older nurses that told me to do this, and it definitely loosens and stretches everything.

    • tijim
      tijim Laura3333

      Posted

      This exercise was on a list I was sent home with .. well worth it smile

       

  • barb5947
    barb5947 jen04209

    Posted

    Jenn - I lay face down on my bed and my legs hang off the bed from above the knee - gravity pulls your legs down - I can stay 10 min now but it still hurts. I think what has helped me the most tho is doing my exercises in the pool. Best wishes you'll get there!

  • susan78342
    susan78342 jen04209

    Posted

    Bike helped me a LOT. just keeping moving as well. Use stairs. 
  • caroline46398
    caroline46398 jen04209

    Posted

    All replies are good but also for some it takes time and retraining muscles /brain plus confidence that it won't hurt. Early rehab exercises are good long term and also strengthening surrounding muscles - quads and hamstrings really helps. Swelling and scar tissue varies so just keep at it until one day it will come

    • Dcweather
      Dcweather caroline46398

      Posted

      Also expectations should vary. Some are saying things like I got 120 deg after three weeks while others are saying they only had 60 deg after three months! It would be useful if people said what they had before the op. Some might have had full extension but had the op because of pain. Mine had been only 90 deg for several years due to Osteoarthritis and is now back to 90 deg after 6 weeks. I'm hoping for moe but it is clearly going to take time.

      Dave

    • susie07313
      susie07313 Dcweather

      Posted

      So true, I've had osteoarthritis since my 30s and had to wait until old enough for the op, so my bend/exentension was bad anyway, and all my muscles and gait are wrong.  So bending, extending, correcting gait and major need to improve muscles and core - but feeling so much more positive.  Like you, not sure how far I will get but I am going to keep trying ... indeed we are all so different. Good luck

    • Dcweather
      Dcweather susie07313

      Posted

      ......... and good luck to you to Suzie. As I said, we are all different but some more similar than others it seems ;-)

      Dave

  • terri59470
    terri59470 jen04209

    Posted

    Ooh me, me, I know, miss! cheesygrin

    Its a bit odd - but it worked for me.....Get a set of oven gloves - the ones that are a mitt at each end joined by fabric in the middle. Can of baked beans/kidney beans/vegetable of choice in each "pocket". Pop your foot onto a stool/bench/pouffe so thet your leg is straight out in front of you, and gently drape the oven glove over your knee, one can on each side. Easy does it, I had to set a timer for 2 minutes in the early days, it hurt a lot and it helped to have something to count down to. BuI was soon up to 10 minutes and a straight leg smile 

    They say that neccessity is the mother of invention - and Im sure that a fair few of us have come up with odd little ways of getting the results we need. 

    Take care and good luck with that extention!

    Terri xx

    • Dcweather
      Dcweather terri59470

      Posted

      Might try that. Although my wife might expect me to do some baking if she catches me with the oven gloves idearolleyes

      Dave

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