Table 2.
Recommended postoperative TKA protocols
| 2 weeks to 6 weeks*,† | 6 weeks to 6 months†,‡ | 6 months and beyond†,‡ |
|---|---|---|
| Hundred | All previous exercises | All previous exercises |
| 1/2 roll down | Full roll up | Rolling like a ball |
| Single leg circles | Double leg kick | Open leg rocker |
| Single leg stretch | Corkscrew | Swan |
| Double leg stretch | Neck pull, modified | Neck pull |
| Single straight leg stretch | Shoulder bridge | Side kick, variations |
| Double straight leg stretch | Spine twist | Teaser 2 |
| Criss cross | Side kick, variations | Can can, modified |
| Spine stretch forward | Teaser 1 | Hip circles, modified |
| Saw | Swimming | Serratus push-up |
| Swan prep | Serratus push-up, modified | Mermaid, modified |
| Single leg kick | Push-up, modified | Leg pull up, modified |
| Shoulder bridge, modified | Push-up | |
| Side kick, variations | ||
| Teaser prep 1&2 |
* Two weeks to 6 weeks. The patient starts the mat series with a very limited pre-Pilates warm-up, staying within the postoperative restrictions.
†All of the above exercises (or modifications thereof) are performed under the guidelines of the hip precautions recommended by the surgeon.
‡Any individual performing these exercises only advances to the next level after demonstrating a strong sense of core stability and strength.
(Adapted with permission from: Levine B, Kaplanek B, Scafura D, Jaffe WL. Rehabilitation after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a new regimen using Pilates training. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2007;65(2):120–125.)