How to Start Cycling again after Knee Replacement Surgery | KBO Bike
Most patients reduce their physical activity after procedures on lower extremity joints, such as a knee replacement surgery. There will be bad times in life, but that should not be a reason to stop doing what we love; instead, we should look for methods to accomplish things better and easier.
You might have been given instructions for exercises to help you build strength and range of motion in your legs and new knee following your procedure. Some of those exercises may include riding a stationary bike and short-term rehabilitation. Biking is considered the very best exercise following knee surgery. Biking engages the knee joints more, yet it is still considered a low-impact sport. You should be able to resume your previous level of exercise in due time. Even so, you need to move slowly and consciously with the right bike to avoid injuring your new knee replacement. Using the right electric bike determines the level of comfort you get as you recover and the rate at which you return to fitness. Some people might wonder will cycling cause knee pain? Cycling with the right posture and follow the tips and you won't get hurt.
With the following tips, we give you a step-by-step guide on how to re-enter the cycling world and enjoy the sport after knee replacement surgery.
1.GET ADEQUATE REST BEFORE YOU START BIKING
The objective is to make riding fun and regular exercise for you to receive numerous advantages; you don’t need to be in a rush to begin cycling. Though complications from this surgery are very rare, ensure you get enough rest so you don’t put yourself in too much pain or cause extra damage to your joint. Give yourself time to heal at a good pace before you start to exercise your knees again. Follow your doctor’s post-procedure orders carefully, rest, and use your prescribed supplements that would help you heal faster before you get back to Cycling. This may entail consuming a diet high in bone-building foods, such as calcium and vitamin D-rich meals. While your bones may appear to be a solid block of material, they contain numerous blood veins that can aid in mending. With time, your body will begin to manufacture new blood cell threads that will eventually grow together, assisting in bone healing. Asides from getting enough strength, check in with your doctor or physiotherapist to confirm if you have the required range of motion that would allow you to cycle without posing a danger to yourself. Patience and respect for procedures are very important. It’s crucial to have patience and respect for medical treatments.
2. GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Machines were created to help the human species accomplish its task more efficiently and, most importantly, with ease. In the same way, choosing the right tools can ease your stress and save you a lot of trouble; choosing the right bike can go a long way in easing your journey into healing and getting back on the saddle. It is better if the rider chooses a bike with a b long-range of gears. Getting an electric bike, such as the KBO Breeze or the KBO Breeze Step-Thru, is the ideal alternative for additional convenience in getting on the bike. An electric bike gives you the option of enjoying the swift gliding feeling of Cycling without pedaling with its throttle from rest. You can enjoy over five levels of pedal assist, giving you up to 55 miles of riding on a single charge; the KBO Breeze has a Shimano 7-speed gear shifter and a 5-level pedal-assist feature, allowing it to reach a speed of 22 mph with just the throttle. You’ll stress less and get more efficiency with just little pedal power, Given that you’re still recuperating and getting back into shape. Should you experience any pain or discomfort in your knees, you may easily switch from pedaling to simply cruising. Having an electric bike to commute after a knee replacement surgery is a very good idea. It will be the best gift for your parents.
3. MAKE THE BIKE COMFORTABLE
After getting the right equipment, customizing it to provide maximum comfort is very important. You need to adjust it to suit your height and also give you a comfortable riding posture. You can correct the seat height; seat set-back; seat tilt; bar height, reach and tilt; and cleat alignment. The saddle of the bicycle dictates a lot about how comfortable your ride will be. Your saddle should be set in such a way that you ride in an upright position. If saddle height isn’t the issue, your saddle position may be. Your knee may get strained during your pedal stroke if your saddle is too far forward. If the front of your knee hurts, consider elevating the saddle or pushing it back to the handlebars as a temporary fix. If you get pain in the back of your knee, consider lowering the saddle or pushing it forward to the handlebars. You should buy a bike with an adjustable saddle that may be moved up and down, as well as back and forth, to suit your needs. It’s a good idea to obtain a professional bike fit if you’ve attempted to alter your position and it’s not comfortable if you want to improve your ride posture.
4. STARTING SLOWLY
As I previously stated, patience is crucial; you’ve waited long enough for your doctor to clear you for outdoor riding, albeit in most situations, you’ll need to start with indoor stationary cycles before moving on to outdoor Cycling. You need to take it very easy by starting slowly, understand how your knees are adapting before you try to pedal around, and give your body time to adjust. Do not hesitate to use the cruise option on your e-bike by throttling yourself without pedaling while you figure out your knee range of motion. Start gently and keep in mind that you may not be able to fully turn the cranks. For a few minutes, slowly pedal forth and backward. Continue doing this until your range of motion improves, which usually happens fast.
5. PROGRESSING ON THE EBIKE
After a few days or weeks down the line, depending on how much time it takes you to achieve a full range of motion, your knee can bend up to 90 degrees. Consider adding light resistance once you complete a full rotation to enhance your muscle endurance and strength. Reduce the effort if you start to experience any pain in your knee. Don’t hesitate to stop should you feel any pain in your knee. As much as you are trying to get back into shape, avoid pushing yourself too much. Explore the wide range of gears and pedal-assist features on your electric bike, ensuring that you are shifting the gear effectively. You can refer to our post on (Bike gears: shifting explained for beginners). Understanding how to maintain the proper torque and speed will go a long way toward supporting you in pedaling sensibly so that you can reduce your body power output while maintaining a high degree of bike efficiency.
6. WEARING SAFETY DEVICES AND PROTECTIVE GEARS
Wearing protective gear such as knee pads and Knee braces could help keep your knees safe and aligned while you cycle. Making sure not to hurt yourself is vital. Keep your knees warm by wearing knee warmers and knee pads to prevent you from getting hurt if you bump your knee into something. Choose the right shoe choice that won’t be slipping off your pedal, prompting you to use extra effort to keep your legs on the pedal.
If you take good care of your knees by keeping up with all your follow-up medical appointments, do your exercises consistently and right as instructed by your therapist, balance rest and activity, and follow all of the instructions above, you should be able to cycle pain-free and stress-free after a while.
