topic Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement in Wellness

Exercise machine after total knee replacement

sarahpanda — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 05:20:20 GMT

I've already had my surgery done and have started P.T. I was wondering if a machine such as the 'Cubbi' or an 'Ellipse' leg exerciser would be helpful at home also. If you've had knee surgery, what exercise equipment (name brand would be nice) did you find helpful at home? Thank you.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

MKR14 — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:23:32 GMT

Check with your surgeon first -but the one I bought has helped my legs and my sciatica a lot.

Under Desk Elliptical Machine, Ellipse Leg Exerciser Electric as Seen on TV for Seniors with Remote Control & 10

Adjustable Speeds, Quiet & Portable Mini Seated Pedal

Exerciser

It is $129.00 and the best I found that was quiet and easy to use.

Visit the HJDFGSS Store on Amazon Site. Perfect when delivered. No assembly needed and very quiet and comes with a remote control.

1,046 ratings

The Ellipse my friend got and returned it.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Winkk — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:02:20 GMT

Before you spend any money check with your therapist (or doctor). Will you use it after your knee is good?

I've had both knees replaced (two separate surgeries) and didn't use any home equipment. I just did (and still do) the exercises the PT gave me.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Bhvbum — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:02:48 GMT

@Winkk wrote:
Before you spend any money check with your therapist (or doctor). Will you use it after your knee is good?

exactly, I suspect the exercise that the therapist would suggest is simply getting out and walking. And you suddenly realize it's actually a very good exercise for your whole body, everything starts to work better.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Meowingkitty — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:35:31 GMT

My doctor prescribed a ROM TECH BIKE after mine and it worked great for range of motion. Insurance paid for it but it was only for 3 weeks. After that I went back to water aerobics, walk on an indoor track (to hot here to walk outside) and I use a recumbent bike at the gym.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

wagirl — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:34:15 GMT

I'd ask my p/t person. After I broke my ankle, and had p/t 2x a week for a few months and when I could walk without any aids, I asked about a treadmill too and he said, no--use a bike instead. that will give more gentle exercise to all the leg parts--ankle, knee, hip. I didn't buy one as I have no room for one.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Carmie — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:40:15 GMT

I don't think these types of machines will hurt, but they are not what you need right now, IMO.

You need to get a full range of motion back. A bicycle that works the whole leg including the knee is a better choice, IMO. My PT place had a ROM Tech bike that I used there.

I did not use an exercise machine at home. I just did my PT moves..squats, leg lifts and exercise bands that the PT gave me to use at home.

I only had nine PT sessions after surgery on my right knee. I was driving on day 21.

Before surgery, my knee was frozen and wouldn't bend at all. I now have full range of motion. You have to keep bending and extending the knee completely so that scar tissue doesn't build up in there.

Best of luck. It's difficult, but you can do it.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

conlt — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:47:08 GMT

I would ask my surgeon and PT what they think. My understanding is an exercise bike is the best exercise after a total knee.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Kachina624 — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 18:06:53 GMT

@sarahpanda. The best advice you could get would be from your doctor or physical therapist. It's easy to overdo exercise after a TKR.

About 3 weeks after my surgery, I decided to take a quick tour around the local TJ Maxx store. The next morning I awoke with the worst pain of my life. It felt like a blowtorch on my knee. I was in tears, called my doctor. I believe I was told to get some ice on it and take a big dose of my painkiller meds. The pain eventually subsided but I never want to go through that again.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

Q-Checker — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:45:46 GMT

@sarahpanda Please discuss the appropriate remedial exercise equipment with your PT or doctor. He/she is the authority on the type of exercise that you need -- brand is secondary information. Your requirements for appropriate range of motion and amount of resistance (along with frequency and duration of exercise) are unique to your physical condition as determined by a skilled professional.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

chrystaltree — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:11:20 GMT

That is a question for your surgeon and/or your physical therapist.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

gardenman — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:13:21 GMT

There are professional exercise bikes out there with adjustable pedal lengths, so if your range of motion isn't where it needs to be, they can shorten up one pedal to compensate while keeping the other leg at a full extension. I've only seen those in PT offices, but someone likely sells a home unit also. As your range of motion improves, they stretch out the shortened pedal until they're both fully extended.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

sarahpanda — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:10:40 GMT

@Kachina624 ...Sorry to hear that happened to you - but I can relate. I think I've pushed myself to much also and ended up with the same kind of pain. I'm going to P.T. three times a week now...it's a work in progress, for sure.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

insomniac2 — Thu, 15 May 2025 04:24:55 GMT

After my knee replacements, I was not allowed to do the complete stationary bike exercises. So make sure you check on whether they'd be safe for you.

Re: Exercise machine after total knee replacement

aubnwa01 — Thu, 15 May 2025 22:22:59 GMT

About 15-16 years ago, I needed a revision surgery to replace the lower portion of my prosthetic. When I woke up from surgery, my leg was in a CPM (Continuous Passive Movement) machine which I used while I was in the hospital & also brought home to use for a few weeks. I'd use it a couple of times a day & also had at home PT. I'd use it & fall asleep for 30 minutes or so, since the movement is so gentle. I think it really helped with my range of motion.