Postoperative Physical Therapy for Orthopedic Patients
Cruciate Surgery:
Day 1:
Suture removal day: Patient gets 2 physical therapy sessions each day x 4 days
EXERCISES:
- Slow flexion and extension of the joint x 25 repetitions (Both legs)
- Massage leg muscles around the knee.
- Slow leash walks for 5 min- SLOW ENOUGH FOR FULL WEIGHT BEARING TO OCCUR. ICE THE KNEE FOR 5 MIN AFTER EACH SESSION USING A TOWEL ON THE ICE.
DAY 5 & 6:
REST THE DOG COMPLETELY.
Day 7-11:
EXERCISES:
- Slow leash walks for 10 minutes twice daily
- Massage leg muscles above and below knee for 5 min
- Flexion and extension of knees x 25 reps
- Bicycle forward and backward x 25 times.
Day 12-13:
REST DAYS.
Day 14-18:
EXERCISES:
- SLOW LEASH WALKS 15 MIN X 2 EACH DAY
- FLEXION AND EXTENSION X 20 REPS
- BICYCLE FORWARD AND BACKWARD X 20 REPS
- MASSAGE THE KNEE AND MUSCLES 5 MIN
- SIT, STAND SIT STAND EXERCISE X 20 REPS
- SLOW STAIR CLIMBING 2 MINUTES FIRST DAY, INCREASE TO 5 MIN BY LAST DAY 18. ICE THE KNEE FOR 5 MIN AFTER THESE CHALLENGING SESSIONS
Day 19-20:
REST DAYS.
Day 21-25:
EXERCISES:
- SLOW LEASH WALKS OF 20 MIN X 2 EACH DAY
Day 26-27:
REST DAYS.
Day 28-32:
EXERCISES:
- REPEAT DAYS 14-18 PLUS ADD:
- WALKING ON HINDLEGS DOWN HALLWAY X 5 MIN TWICE DAILY. ICE JOINT AFTER THESE SESSIONS