Home Exercise and RehabApril/May 2014
Gina John is a Pilates Practitioner and Registered Osteopath who has spent many years offering help and advice, especially to the over 50 age group. She is founder of The Osprey Clinic in the St. Johns Wood area of London and now specialises in Home Exercise and Rehabilitation Programmes. For further advice on exercising safely, and a selection of exercise films for general fitness and medical conditions, visit the website: www.home-exercise-rehab.com
This month: Exercises whilst waiting for knee replacent surgery.
Q: I am currently awaiting knee replacement surgery and have been advised by my consultant to perform daily exercises in preparation for the operation. Please would you advise me on which exercises would be beneficial? A: Knee replacement surgery is required when the cartilage which lines the knee joint suffers degenerative change and no longer provides adequate shock absorbency during weight-bearing activities. The surrounding ligaments initially become quite lax due to a narrowing of the joint space between the articulating long bones – the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). At this stage, the joint may become excessively mobile and overstrain the surrounding soft tissues. This involves the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint, which may become swollen or sore after walking or standing for longer periods. As the degenerative process continues, more severe joint pain and excessive swelling may ensue, making day-to-day activities difficult. The joint becomes progressively stiff and sore while the bony margins of the joint may thicken and the normal joint alignment or congruence is adversely affected. The limited range of movement of the joint and increasing intensity of symptoms may present an increasing challenge. Ultimately, these accumulating factors result in a patient’s referral by the GP for a consultation for knee replacement surgery. Recovery from surgery depends on the good health of the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint, as well as the body’s postural muscles. It is therefore, important to exercise the pelvic floor, buttock, abdominal and back muscles as well as lower limb muscles. Performing a daily exercise routine will promote blood flow and provide essential nutritional elements to the soft tissues which surround the knee joint, as well as improve the strengthen and condition of the supporting musculature. Each person’s ability to perform exercise will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and congruence of the joint. Pain is the body’s natural warning mechanism, so always stop exercising if you start to feel pain. You may feel able to continue exercising after symptoms have subsided. The following exercises will help to strengthen and condition the lower limb and postural muscles and may also help to relieve some of the symptoms, while awaiting surgery.
See all Gina's Home Exercise and Rehab features Please send your questions for Gina John to answer in next month’s column to: Back to Laterlife Health
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