Patellar Dislocation and Subluxation Phase II Rehabilitation After Surgery

These exercises are more advanced than phase I exercises. Ask your health care provider which exercises are safe for you. Do exercises exactly as told by your health care provider and adjust them as directed. It is normal to feel mild stretching, pulling, tightness, or discomfort as you do these exercises, but you should stop right away if you feel sudden pain or your pain gets worse. Do not begin these exercises until told by your health care provider.

Stretching and range of motion exercises

These exercises warm up your muscles and joints and improve the movement and flexibility of your knee. These exercises also help to relieve pain and stiffness.

Exercise A: Quadriceps, prone

1. Lie on your abdomen on a firm surface, such as a bed or padded floor.
2. Bend your left / right knee and hold your ankle. If you cannot reach your ankle or pant leg, loop a belt around your foot and grab the belt instead.
3. Gently pull your heel toward your buttocks. Your knee should not slide out to the side. You should feel a stretch in the front of your thigh and knee.
4. Hold this position for __________ seconds.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this stretch __________ times a day.

Exercise B: Hamstring, supine

1. Lie on your back. Start with both legs straight.
2. Bend your left / right knee to loop a belt or towel over the ball of your foot. The ball of your foot is on the walking surface, right under your toes.
3. Straighten your left / right knee and slowly pull on the belt to raise your leg until you feel a gentle stretch behind your knee.
   1. Do not let your knees bend while you do this.
   1. Keep your other leg flat on the floor.
4. Hold this position for __________ seconds.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this stretch __________ times a day.

Strengthening exercises

These exercises build strength and endurance in your knee. Endurance is the ability to use your muscles for a long time, even after they get tired. If told by your health care provider, wear your brace while you do these exercises.

Exercise C: Bridge (extensors)

1. Lie on your back on a firm surface with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Tighten your buttocks muscles and lift your bottom off the floor until your trunk is level with your thighs.
3. Hold this position for __________ seconds.
4. Slowly lower your hips to the starting position.
5. Let your buttocks muscles relax completely between repetitions.

If this exercise is too easy, try doing it with your arms crossed over your chest or with one leg at a time.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times a day.

Exercise D: Step-ups (quadriceps)

1. Stand in front of a step, a thick book, or a step stool that is __________ inches tall.
2. Slowly step up with your left / right foot, keeping your knee in line with your hip and foot. Do not allow your knee to bend so far that you cannot see your toes. Hold a wall, rail, or counter for balance, but do not use it for support.
3. Slowly unlock your knee and lower yourself to the starting position using gravity, not your muscles.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times a day.

Exercise E: Wall slides (quadriceps)

1. Lean your back against a smooth wall or door while you walk your feet out 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) from it.
2. Place your feet hip-width apart.
3. Slowly slide down the wall or door until your knees bend __________ degrees. Keep your knees over your heels, not over your toes. Keep your knees in line with your hips.
4. Hold this position for __________ seconds.
5. Push through your heels to stand up.
6. Rest for __________ seconds after each repetition.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times a day.

Exercise F: Standing heel raise (plantar flexors)

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Keep your weight spread evenly over the width of your feet while you rise up on your toes. Use a wall or table to steady yourself, but try not to use it for support.
3. Hold this position for __________ seconds.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times a day.

Balance exercise

This exercise will help improve your balance and improve the control of your knee. If told by your health care provider, wear your brace while you do this exercise.

Exercise G: Single leg stand

1. Stand near a railing or in a doorway. You may hold onto the railing or door frame as needed.
2. Stand on your left / right foot.
3. Hold this position for __________ seconds.
4. If this exercise is too easy, try doing it with your eyes closed or while standing on a pillow.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times a day.