Originally Posted by
camion
Just a quick update for historical/hysterical purposes.
I graduated from walker to cane today 18 days after surgery. Walking isn't a problem with little to no pain. I am being driven on field trips shopping and dining. My main problem dining out is finding a comfortable chair since the left (replaced) knee still doesn't bend fully. We also tested and I fit into my car both driver and passenger side so I'm looking forward to asking for driving authorization later this week. Apparently two important factors are cane competence and being drug free. I'm good on both; I haven't taken any pain meds since the first week.
My in home physical therapist has added to a growing list of exercises to be done twice daily. They take about 45 minutes per set now. Most are not difficult, but two or three require uncomfortable bending increasing range of motion. Here's a list for you perusal.
Physical therapy, in home exercises:
1. Feet press - 10-15 reps, 2-3 times/day
2. Ankle pumps - 10-15 reps, 2-3 times/day
3. Heel slides - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
5. Sit to stand - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
6. Straight leg hip rotation - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
8. Gentle leg lengthening - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 5 sec
9. Knee Fall Outs - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
11. Mini Straight leg raises - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 3 sec
13. Side to Side Weight Shifts - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day
14. Side to Side Weight Shifts w/ Knee lift - 10 reps each leg, 2 sets, 2 times/day
15. Forward and Back Weight Shifts - 10 reps each leg, 2 sets, 2 times/day
16. Forward Weights Shifts with Knee list - 10 reps each leg, 2 sets, 2 times/day
17. Back Leg Lifts - 10 reps each leg, 2 sets, 2 times/day
22. Forward Weight Shifts on Step w/ knee lift - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day
25. Wall Lunge with Reach - 3 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 20 sec
31. Side Stepping at counter - 5 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day
32. Walk Forward/Backward at counter - 5 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day
33. Strap Assist Heel slides - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
41. Quad squeezes - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec
42. Butt squeezes - 10 reps, 2 sets, 2 times/day, hold 10 sec