Quad exercises (mainly for the medial side)

[suehaem]

Hi,

Anyone have any suggestions for quad exercises but mainly for the medial side. I find that my muscles are stronger on the lateral side and I can see when exercising that my knee is going over to that side. I am nearly two months post op and obviously don't want to stuff it up as this has been the best it has been since my last op.

Any suggestions greatly received.

Sue

North Wales

[maryc]

Sue - try squeezing a soccor ball between your knees - looks funny but it helps.

[suehaem]

Cheers thanks. Will give it a go.

Sue

North Wales

[digginit]

Hey Sue! How's that VMO coming? I'm working on getting my quads back too and the lateral side is definitely coming along a little faster than the medial, but it's getting there. Full extension helps. My ortho and PT both say my extension is complete, but it's not as good as the other -- of course with that post on the prosthetic, it probably will NEVER be as good as the other. I keep doing prone hangs, and sometimes I still feel a little stretch. I'll keep on working on extension until I'm convinced that I can't get any more.

~dig

[suehaem]

Hi,

Thing are going well thanks and like you the lateral side is doing leaps and bounds but the medial side seems to be a little slow. I'm seeing my PT tomorrow so will have a chat about it and see if they have any other ideas (I just want a quick fixs ;DLOL) and I know it's not but this time round things seem to be going a lot quicker but I don't want to stuff things up by doing something stupid LOL .

I'm sure we will get there in the end.

Sue

North Wales

[ronastev]

My physio recommended squeeze squats with a small ball (around volleyball size and not too firm). Contract the muscle to hold the ball in position above the knee (it hurts to hold it right at the knee) and only go down to the level at which you are pain free. If you have a large exercise ball use it for support behind your back and prop yourself against a wall. Make sure your knees don't go past your toes or you cause more problems.
Another one is to be in a sitting position on the floor with a flattish pillow under your knee and then press the knee into the pillow while contracting the VMO visibly. Multiple sessions of that every day brought my quad along quickly.

[suehaem]

Hi Ronastev,

I went to see my PT and the exercise she stated was the ball one as well which I have been doing but need to get a different ball. The other one sounds good as well will give it a go.

It is amazing how weak the muscles are I walk pretty well now but have only just started to try and run although I'm not having pain I am limping but I think it is just me guarding the knee so have to get past that problem as well. and obviously the knee is very week when I try to go faster that a walk (will take some time and patients ) will get there eventually.

Sue

North Wales