Things You'll Need:
- Copies of your MRI and x-rays
- Second opinion from another knee surgeon
- Consultation with a physical therapist (interview several)
- Examples of knee "prehab" exercises
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Step 1
Once your surgeon suggest you need knee surgery, research the type of surgery he suggests, even if it's a seemingly simple arthoscopy. Take it from a veteran of seventeen knee surgeries on one knee who is still disabled in that joint.
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Step 2
Your quadriceps, which are vital to proper knee function, are some of the fastest to atrophy when not used regularly and are some of the slowest to come back after atrophy has occurred. Thus it is critical to do at least four weeks of "prehab", specialized knee exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, especially the VMO (or front inside part of the quad).
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Step 3
As a veteran of seventeen knee surgeries, I can give you a list of excellent exercises, but it's best to get this information from a trained physical therapist. If you do not want to seek out your physical therapist prior to surgery, something I strongly recommend, keep up a workout at the gym at least three days per week with your physician's blessing, since you may have concomitant illnesses that make workouts dangerous.
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Step 4
One less dangerous to the heart exercise that may help you prepare is what's called the "quad set." The quad set consists of lying flat on your pack with a rolled up towel or empty 2-liter soda bottle in the crook of your knee and bunching up the knee relaxing it. Do this exercise in 3 sets of 15 three times per day, and whatever you do on the surgical side of your body, do to the other knee as well because that knee needs to be stronger than ever when the other knee is out of commission.
