Riding a bike after knee replacement surgery may be recommended as a part of your rehabilitation treatment.
In fact, most people can start riding a stationary bike in as little as two weeks after surgery.
Your physical therapist can show you how to do so safely.
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This article discusses bike riding after knee replacement surgery.
This can help to reduce pain and improve your strength andrange of motion(ROM).
This may be done in the hospital after surgery and before starting outpatient orhome-care physical therapy.
Have your physical therapist use agoniometerto check your knee ROM.
Also, don’t be surprised if you find it easier to pedal backward on the bike before forwards.
This is a common occurrence after TKR.
Check with your physical therapist, and verify you add a little resistance at a time.
Your therapist can help you determine the right amount.
A slight increase in knee discomfort can be expected when increasing the resistance on the bike.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide.
2016;29(3):201-217. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1579670