It is never too early to begin range of motion exercises. Even if you are receiving a total joint replacement, you may be able to perform some exercises to keep the joint flexible and to strengthen the muscles around it. A general guideline would be to exercise three times per week. If you have access to a swimming pool, exercising in the water is great, as the buoyancyof the water helps to take the weight off the joints.
Before you begin exercising, consult your HTC and have a look at the guidelines for stretching and exercising after a bleed in Physical Activity and Joints.
If you are a candidate for joint surgery due to the deteriorated condition of your joint, the exercises you do before surgery will not change the joint disease. The exercises are designed to address range of motion, strength of muscles surrounding the joint, and flexibility.
You may be used to limiting your movements because of pain and the decreased mobility caused by your joint problems. Exercising before surgery will provide an opportunity to move your joints more than you would during normal everyday activities. As there is damage to the joint, movement through the full range of motion may be painful. Remember, the goal is to limit your exercises to those that are pain-free.
Some exercises that you perform before surgery will be the same ones that you participate in after surgery as you work to regain your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. The added benefit of doing these exercises before the surgery is that you will become familiar with them and they will be easier to perform after the surgery.
Because everyone with inhibitors is different, it’s important to choose activities carefully and talk with a healthcare professional. Remember to talk to your physical therapist and HTC staff before beginning any exercise program.
You can download a program of exercises for your shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, and ankle that your physical therapist may recommend to help you prepare your joint for surgery or that are good for general joint health.
To learn more about the exercises that may be recommended after surgery, visit Physical Therapy Overview.
