Knee Arthroscopy

Post-op recovery	First 2 weeks	Date
Goals	Protect the knee and surgical incision Recover from swelling and inflammation Control of post-surgical pain
Precautions	Avoid running Walk short distances only
Recommendations	Rest and elevate as required Ice the knee up to 3 times a day – particularly in the first 72 hours Range of motion exercises of ankle Range of motion exercises of hip Gentle movement of the knee from full extension to 90 degrees of flexion as pain and swelling allows
Suggested exercises	Static quads contraction Supine straight leg raise Ankle pumps Supine bed supported knee bend Sitting supported knee bend Sitting knee extension stretch – foot on floor Supine knee extension – foot elevated/supported Standing knee extension

Phase 1	Week 2 to week 6
Goals	Comfortably walk normally Gain full range of motion Begin strengthening
Precautions	Avoid running Increase walking distance but only if comfortable
Recommendation	When standing, push knee straight to help achieve full extension Increase range of motion from full extension to full flexion Hip and gluteal muscle strengthening Ankle range of motion and strengthening
Suggested exercises	Wall slide mini squat Double leg squats (0-60) Sitting unsupported knee extension and flexion Single leg stance – knee straight, knee flexed Straight leg raise Step ups Double calf raises – progress to single calf raise Side leg raise – knee straight, knee flexed Gluteal band exercises Bridging with gluteal contraction Exercycle – low resistance, short interval

Phase 2	Week 7 to week 12
Goals	Comfortably walk normally Gain full range of motion Return to full function
Precautions	Return to running as comfort allows Do not return to athletic activity before full strength and neuromuscular control has been gained
Recommendations	Passive stretching to achieve full extension and flexion Concentrated full rehab program that includes strengthening of core, hip flexors, gluteal muscles, external rotators of the hip, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Neuromuscular control and co-ordination of leg
Suggested exercises	Double leg squats (0-90) Single leg squats Single leg hop Step ups – increase height Hop ups Step downs Hop downs Side hops Resisted quads and hamstring weight training Gluteal band exercises Bridging Double calf raises – progress to single calf raise Exercycle – increase resistance and training length