Which sports are recommended after a joint operation?
October 8, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Eva Koch
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Katja Karpinski and I recently underwent a joint operation. Three months ago, I had surgery on my knee and I am now in the rehabilitation phase. I am concerned about which sports are recommended for me after the operation to promote my health and not overload my joint.
Before the operation, I regularly engaged in sports and was very active. I enjoyed playing tennis, jogging, and practicing yoga. These sports not only provided me with physical fitness but also mental relaxation. However, after the operation, I am afraid that I may not be able to continue with my usual activities or that they could harm my operated joint.
I would like to know which sports are specifically recommended for people after a joint operation. Which sports can help strengthen my muscles, improve my flexibility, and at the same time, protect my joint? Are there specific exercises or sports that I should avoid?
I look forward to your expertise and recommendations to help me resume my physical activity after the joint operation. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Katja Karpinski
Dear Ms. Karpinski,
I am pleased to hear that you are already in the rehabilitation phase after your joint surgery and are thinking about your sports activities. Sport can indeed play an important role in recovery and the long-term health of the joint.
After a joint surgery, it is particularly important to choose sports that strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and at the same time, protect the operated joint. It is important to first consult with your treating doctor or physiotherapist to ensure that you are fit enough for sports activities and do not take any risks.
In general, sports such as swimming, cycling, and water aerobics are particularly recommended after a joint surgery. These sports are joint-friendly as the water supports the body and relieves the joint. They also help to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Nordic walking can also be a good option as it trains the entire body and is gentle on the joints.
It is important to start slowly and not overexert yourself. You should also focus on strengthening the muscles around the operated joint to improve stability. Exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles are therefore particularly important. It is advisable to seek advice from a physiotherapist to create an individual training program tailored to your needs and recovery process.
As for sports that you may want to avoid, this depends on the type of joint surgery, your individual limitations, and any recommendations from your doctor. In general, you should avoid sports that are too strenuous for the affected joint, such as tennis or running. You should also avoid sports with abrupt movements or high loads that could excessively strain the joint.
I hope that these recommendations will help you to resume your sports activities after the joint surgery and promote your health. If you have any further questions or need individual advice, I am happy to assist you.
Kind regards,
Eva Koch
