This section applies to all patients.
No NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Aleve x 2 weeks
Pain: Tylenol for mild pain and if needed use mild narcotic provided.
Bracing: Use brace during sleep the first 3 nights if able. Sleep is more important so if you cannot sleep and use the brace, feel free to remove it.
Driving restrictions: No driving until out of knee locking brace and can safely move foot from gas to brake. If left leg, must be able to safely use clutch.
Work restrictions: Depends on duration of weightbearing restrictions
Exercise restrictions: 2 weeks relative rest followed by 4 weeks progressive PT. No running, jumping, cutting, lunges or deep squats until 8 weeks.
The following may not apply to all patients. Your provider will complete this section, depending on your needs.
☐ Use crutches for __________ days, non-weight-bearing for ________ days
☐ Start partial weight bearing WITH knee brace/crutches from days _________
☐ Use hinged knee brace locked out for 2 days, then set for ___ - ___ degrees till end of the first week then advance to ___ - ___ degrees till end of week 2
☐ Use unloader brace for 6 weeks consistently whenever on your feet
☐ Come out of brace for simple non-weight bearing range of motion and gentle isometrics (strait leg quad contractions) 1-2 times daily after the first 2 days of continuous brace wear. Goal is full ROM by 2 weeks
☐ f/u for PT in 5-7 days
Activities: In general, with strength and activities, keep pain level below 4/10.
First 2 Weeks:
Strengthening/Motion: Isometrics always good. Non weightbearing and passive range of motion is good too. Try to get full range of motion by 2 weeks.
Walking: No hiking. May walk on flat ground initially (use crutches if directed above) for 10-15 minutes. If this goes well, may walk 5 minutes longer the next day.
Cycling: May gently ride stationary bike for 15 minutes after week 1. Exertion level 1-3/10.
Swimming: Use pull buoy alternating with easy kicking (exertion 1-2/10) after week 1.
Weeks 2-4:
Strengthening/Motion: Start gentle low load closed chain concentric/eccentrics.
Walking: May begin gentle hiking (no more than 30 minutes).
Cycling: May ride up to 30 minutes. No getting out of saddle til after week 3. Exertion level 4-6/10.
Swimming: May increase kicking intensity (exertion 3-6/10) to alternating with pull buoy. No more than ½ -1 mile.
Weeks 4-6:
Strengthening/Motion: Progress to moderate load, progressive strengthening.
Walking: May progress to longer hikes up to 60 minutes, still no big stepups.
Cycling: May ride 60 minutes. May get out of saddle. Exertion level 7-9/10 during intervals.
Swimming: May swim up to 1-2 miles with normal exertion level. Still encourage breaks with buoy.