6 MO PKR - Should I use a treadmill?

[Roo73]

I know there is probably a previous discussion or comments about the use of a treadmill during knee replacement recovery but I couldn't find it, so I guess I'll post the question. I have not asked my OS and didn't have PT so I'm asking the group. I don't care to walk outside and prefer a treadmill, but one of my OS consults told me to stay off of the treadmill with a replacement because it puts more stress on the new part more than "regular" walking. Has anyone else been told this? I have a huge expensive treadmill and if I'm supposed to use it, fine, but if I should be using something else, I'd rather sell it and buy something I CAN use. Like everyone else, I'm trying to lose weight and currently ride a stationary bike, do leg lifts, etc.

 

[aussie]

I've read a couple of comments on treadmills throughout the forum. Maybe putting treadmill in the search box might bring them up, I'm not sure. One I remember someone had a fall, but they didn't have the shut off key on them, I would think taking it slow and steady would be ok and don't forget to attach the emergency key. Jo would probably have more info from a medical view.

Best wishes with your recovery.

Chris

 

[execk2]

You can use a treadmill and they actually offer a softer running surface than outside. But with TKR you need to use more elevation than speed as to not damage the new knee. Higher elevation will make you walk, but you'll get a great workout.

I design and own a fitness company that makes treadmills and elliptical machines and have now a 3 month TKR. Whew!

 

[Jamie]

Just like any exercise, start slowly and work up to longer times and more elevation. I agree with Execk2 that using the elevation instead of speed is probably better for you until you are fully recovered.

 

[RickB]

execk2

I hate to disagree with you but at PT they said the reverse. You need to use the treadmill with the elevation set as low as possible. Keep the speed at your normal gait and walk as long as you can. If the elevation is used you put to much strain on the joint, just the same as running. Maybe Jo can jump in here and settle this for us.

God Bless,
Rick

 

[Jamie]

Thanks, Rick. I was not speaking with ANY medical authority at all and Jo will definitely know more than I. I probably was not very clear in my post, though. What I was trying to say was that I thought a person with knee surgery does not have to stay away from a treadmill during recovery....just take it slow over a period of time. That would mean what you suggest....starting level and slow speed...speeding up just to a normal pace over weeks or months. Once a person can walk at a normal speed on flat surface though, I would think a slight incline (nothing huge!) might be a better workout than trying to go faster and faster. Jo......what do you think about using the treadmill after TKR??

All that said, my personal preference for exercise after the TKR is with the stationary bike and elliptical machine. Also, any water workout is easy on all your joints.

 

[RickB]

Jamie,

What I was trying to get at was you should walk as much as you can, this is one of the best, if not the best exercise you can do. The total gym and bike are great also. But when you are walking you should try a walk on a level surface. That is why we have all these mall walkers. When you walk on a incline you put strain on the joint that is almost the same as running. (IMO)The treadmill is great for a TKR, my PT really promotes it.

God Bless,
Rick

 

[Jamie]

I agree with you, Rick. I was just wanting to make sure that Roo didn't attempt anything too fast. Sometimes people feel that they have to increase intensity every few days or weeks (either go faster, higher incline or significantly longer times) - like when they were completely healthy. I am definitely in agreement with you that walking, whether on sidewalks or treadmill should be a good thing.

 

[calling_all_angels]

And at my PT they have me walk at a very measureable incline. BUT they have the machine going very slow because I am going backwards!!!!!
^i^

 

[Jamie]

Whoa.....uphill and backwards? Now that's a workout! My trainer has us walk the track backwards to improve balance and that's a challenge for me. I can't imagine doing it on an incline!!! You're gonna have some strong legs, gal!

 

[calling_all_angels]

I hope so!!! LOL My legs were one of my good features! And now with long scars on both of them they better be lookkkkking goooooood!!! LOL
^i^

 

[Roo73]

Thank you all so much for your input! I really kind of liked the treadmill set up in front of my TV and walked every day while losing 50 pounds about 8 years ago. Then when my knee got so bad, it was just too painful. I was afraid to use it but I understand now how I can without causing undo stress. The hard part will be starting out SLOWLY.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Roo,
I think you hit the nail right on the head!!! Going slow is the hardest part of recovering!! I want to see improvment aleast every other day. LOL As my
Grandson said yesterday "Gram-ma DUDE you got to move it move it!!!" That is from his favorite movie. LOL So Gram-ma will have to learn to move it move it
^i^

 

[Josephine]

Gosh - I never heard of walking backwards on a treadmill before!

As for using one generally, I'm not a PT but my best thought would be to not be tempted to go too fast or at too high an elevation. Make it a gentle saunter rather than a speed walk.

 

[backbay38]

What my PT said is to walk on the treadmill to work on even gait. No inclines or hills oudoors until your quad muscles are strong enough to take any strain off your new knee. And downhill puts more pressure on your knees than uphill. Treasdmills ARE much softer than pavement and my surgeon said when I start running again to do it on the treadmill. Also from what I've been told you should walk as much as posssible, rest and walk some more .