Wellness

[sarahpanda]

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.

[MKR14]

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.

[Winkk]

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.

[Bhvbum]

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@Winkk wrote:

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

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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.  

[Meowingkitty]

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. 

[wagirl]

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.

[Carmie]

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.

[conlt]

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

[Kachina624]

@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.

[Q-Checker]

@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.