By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA
The early exercises Dr. Kelly gives his patients for the first weeks after surgery, until physical therapy takes over.
Touch-down weight bearing only: the foot of the surgical leg may rest on the floor for balance, but keep your weight on the crutches (Dr. Kelly will tell you how long — typically 3 weeks, 6 with microfracture). Do NOT actively lift the surgical leg on its own for about 4 weeks — use your hands, your other leg, or a helper to move it. Do not sit longer than 30 minutes at a time for the first 3 weeks. Use your brace exactly as instructed. Do not push through pain.
Upright stationary bike with zero resistance, seat high, gentle easy pedaling.
With the leg straight, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
Lying flat, squeeze your buttocks together. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
Lying with knees bent, gently draw in and tighten your lower abdomen without holding your breath. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
A family member or caregiver gently moves the relaxed leg in small circles and rolls it side to side, exactly as your physical therapist demonstrates. Your leg stays completely relaxed.
Lie flat on your stomach to let the front of the hip rest in a straight position.
Call Dr. Kelly’s office at (509) 460-5588 for fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, pain that is worsening instead of improving, or new numbness or tingling. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.
Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.
Request an AppointmentTouch-down weight bearing only: the foot of the surgical leg may rest on the floor for balance, but keep your weight on the crutches (Dr. Kelly will tell you how long — typically 4 weeks, 6 with microfracture). Do NOT actively lift the surgical leg on its own for about 4 weeks — use your hands, your other leg, or a helper to move it. Do not sit longer than 30 minutes at a time for the first 3 weeks. Use your brace exactly as instructed. Do not push through pain.
Upright stationary bike with zero resistance, seat high, gentle easy pedaling.
With the leg straight, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
Lying flat, squeeze your buttocks together. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
Lying with knees bent, gently draw in and tighten your lower abdomen without holding your breath. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
A family member or caregiver gently moves the relaxed leg in small circles and rolls it side to side, exactly as your physical therapist demonstrates. Your leg stays completely relaxed.
Lie flat on your stomach to let the front of the hip rest in a straight position.
Call Dr. Kelly’s office at (509) 460-5588 for fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, pain that is worsening instead of improving, or new numbness or tingling. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.
Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.
Request an Appointment