What exercises should be avoided for a person with double knee replacements besides those involving jumping?
Hi Beverley,
“It’s super to keep the doctor in the loop. Each person I’ve trained with knee replacements have been different. As you probably know, it’s important to communicate and ease into exercises through micro-progressions. Talk with them about what feels good to them. One of my current clients with a knee replacement can do just about everything. When he kneels on that knee it is numb. Interesting!”
The current client I have can do just about everything too. He is very determined and doesn’t let me treat him differently. Noentheless, I want to keep the workouts fresh so would you suggest anything beyond the basics to keep him and I engaged?
Hi Kelly,
“As stated above definitely get clearance from your Doctor or PT. I have had a knee replacement myself and have found that Kneeling exercises are not comfortable and are ill advised by my Doctor as well as Running. Good Luck with your recovery it sounds like you are doing well!”
Thanks for your input! Hope your recovery went well for you!
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your reply and interest in helping!
“As Karin & Janet pointed out, you definitely want to get the input of the surgeon & the PT. I train a 71 year old female who had one knee done just over a year ago – she feels good but still is not comfortable with certain movements so I just work around that. Get the medical feedback & then simply rely on your client for their input as you try adding back certain exercises & you should be good to go. Good luck Patrick & I wish your client a quick recovery.”
My client and I are constantly in communication. I think he is getting tired of me asking to be honest. It’s for his benefit though so I will continue to assess his movements. I will continue consulting with the physical therapist. Thanks so much!
Hi Karin,
You have the same name as my mother. Just a bit different spelling.
“as Janet mentioned, within the post-rehab phase, the physician and PT should direct the level of activity. After that, there are few limitations except those very jarring to the joint. People with knee replacements are also advised not to kneel.”
Yes, I agree that they should not kneel. It is something like 5x their bodyweight coming down on their knees.
I have learned from consulting with the PT that jumping and athletic moves are forbidden, but he is 68 and I do not need to worry about that because he no longer engages in that. Thanks for your help!
Hi Janet,
Thank you for your reply! “How long has it been since the surgery?” 2 months
“I would get input from his doctor and physical therapist.” The gym I train at is half PT and half fitness center so I have been in contact with our physical therapist routinely about his workouts.
“After the first few months lunges and step ups (then step downs) are added in, but I would not do anything without clear guidelines from his md and pt.”
We are just starting to get into step-ups. I have done many unilateral movements at this point to strengthen the surrounding muscles in his leg. We have done quarter squats as well and he has done terrific with those! I am very fortunate because this partuclaur person is great when it comes to perseverance and overcoming challenges.
“Usually after about 4 months most are advised they can resume normal exercises and activity.”
That’s what I have been told! Thanks for your help 🙂