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:

1. Slow flexion and extension of the joint x 25 repetitions (Both legs)
2. Massage leg muscles around the knee.
3. 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:

1. Slow leash walks for 10 minutes twice daily
2. Massage leg muscles above and below knee for 5 min
3. Flexion and extension of knees x 25 reps
4. Bicycle forward and backward x 25 times.

Day 12-13:

REST DAYS.

Day 14-18:

EXERCISES:

1. SLOW LEASH WALKS 15 MIN X 2 EACH DAY
2. FLEXION AND EXTENSION X 20 REPS
3. BICYCLE FORWARD AND BACKWARD X 20 REPS
4. MASSAGE THE KNEE AND MUSCLES 5 MIN
5. SIT, STAND SIT STAND EXERCISE X 20 REPS
6. 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:

1. SLOW LEASH WALKS OF 20 MIN X 2 EACH DAY

Day 26-27:

REST DAYS.

Day 28-32:

EXERCISES:

1. REPEAT DAYS 14-18 PLUS ADD:
2. WALKING ON HINDLEGS DOWN HALLWAY X 5 MIN TWICE DAILY. ICE JOINT AFTER THESE SESSIONS