Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery in Union NJ

Returning to your favorite activities after knee surgery requires more than physical healing—it’s about rebuilding your ability to move confidently and efficiently in everyday life. Functional training is critical to this process, helping you master the essential movements needed for daily tasks. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Union, NJ, we incorporate personalized functional training to ensure patients can return to doing what they love. 

The Role of Functional Training in Knee Surgery Recovery

Unlike traditional strength training, which often focuses on isolated muscle groups, functional training integrates multiple muscle groups to improve overall movement patterns. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, functional training exercises mimic the activities and movements of your everyday routine, promoting a successful recovery and preventing re-injury. This training is essential after knee surgery for several reasons:

• Restoring Everyday Functionality: It helps you regain the ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• Improving Joint Stability: Functional training enhances joint stability by focusing on real-world movements, reducing the likelihood of future injuries.
• Enhancing Muscle Coordination: Functional exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving coordination and balance.
• Building Confidence: As you master these exercises, your confidence in your knee’s ability to handle daily activities grows, contributing to a successful recovery.

5 At-Home Functional Exercises 

While in-clinic physical therapy is essential, incorporating functional exercises into your at-home routine can accelerate your recovery and help you achieve lasting results. With approval from your therapist, these are a few functional exercises you can try at home:

1. Chair Squats

• Stand in front of a sturdy chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. 
• Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if you’re going to sit down. 
• Lightly touch the chair with your hips, then push through your heels to stand back up. 
• Repeat 10-15 times.

2. Step-Ups

• Stand in front of a step or low platform. 
• Step up with one foot, then bring the other foot up to meet it. 
• Step down with the same foot, followed by the other. 
• Perform 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

3. Heel Raises

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding onto a sturdy surface for balance if needed. 
• Slowly rise onto your toes, lifting your heels off the ground. 
• Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels back down. 
• Repeat 10-15 times.

4. Side Leg Lifts

• Lie on your side with your legs straight. 
• Slowly lift the top leg to about 45 degrees, then lower it back down. 
• Perform 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

5. Glute Bridges

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. 
• Lift your hips toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. 
• Hold for a few seconds, then lower your hips back down. 
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Proper form is crucial to avoid injury. Ask your physical therapist for guidance if you’re unsure about your technique. If you experience pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult your physical therapist.

Start Recovering with Twin Boro

Functional training is vital to recovery after knee surgery. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, we integrate functional training into our comprehensive physical therapy programs and provide Union, NJ, patients with at-home exercises to support their recovery. By focusing on these exercises and following your therapist’s guidance, you can rebuild strength, enhance stability, and confidently return to your daily activities. To start recovering, please call  908.663.8050 or schedule an appointment online!