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Post-Arthroscopy Stiffness Rehab - 7 Week Plan

Generated by MMSx Authority Team

Overview: Post-arthroscopy stiffness is a common complication that can occur after minimally invasive knee surgery. It is often caused by swelling, scar tissue formation, or fear of movement. This stiffness can limit a person's ability to fully bend or straighten their knee, affecting daily activities like walking and climbing stairs. The goal of this rehabilitation plan is to safely and gradually restore a full range of motion while simultaneously strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint. This 7-week plan follows the NEEBAL framework (Neutral → Elasticity → Endurance → Balance → Activation → Load) to systematically address the issue by managing pain, rebuilding foundational strength, and safely re-educating movement patterns. This plan is designed to be a guide, but all movements should be pain-free and approved by a medical professional or physical therapist. A professional's guidance is paramount for this type of recovery.

Pain Profile (10 Parameters)

Technical Name: Post-operative Stiffness, Arthrofibrosis
Layman's Description: Stiffness and limited range of motion after knee surgery.
Common Triggers: Prolonged sitting, initial post-op weeks, improper rehabilitation, or fear of movement.
Movement Pattern Involved: Knee flexion (bending) and extension (straightening).
Region / Body Part: The entire knee joint and surrounding tissues.
Pain Type: A stiff, achy pain when trying to bend or straighten the knee past a certain point.
Severity / Stage Tags: Mild (some stiffness), Moderate (limited range of motion), Severe (significant loss of motion).
Suggested Drill Focus: Gentle, pain-free range of motion exercises, isometric holds, quadriceps and hamstring strengthening.
Red Flags: Severe, sharp pain with any movement; excessive swelling; or a feeling of a "hot" joint.

Warm-Up (5–7 mins)

Light Cardio (2 min): Gentle walking or stationary cycling to increase blood flow to the joint.
Supine Pelvic Tilts (2 min): Lie on your back. Gently rock your pelvis forward and back to gently mobilize the spine and pelvis.
Supine Hip Circles (1 min each leg): Lie on your back. Gently move your hip in a small circle, both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Glute Bridges (10 reps): A gentle activation to wake up the glutes, which are crucial for hip stability.

Weeks 1–2 — Pain Management & Gentle Mobility (Daily)

Goal: Reduce swelling and pain, and restore a pain-free range of motion. This phase is non-weight-bearing or minimally weight-bearing unless otherwise instructed by a medical professional.

#	Exercise	Instructions	Key Cues
1	Quad Sets (Isometric)	Sit or lie with your leg straight. Press the back of your knee into the floor and squeeze the thigh muscle. Hold for 5-10 seconds. 10 reps x 3 sets.	Focus on feeling the muscle contract. This is a pain-free way to activate the quads without joint movement.
2	Passive Knee Extension	Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel under your ankle. Allow gravity to gently straighten the knee. Hold for 5-10 minutes, several times per day.	The goal is a pain-free, passive stretch. Do not push through any sharp pain.
3	Straight Leg Raises	Lie on your back. With the knee straight and quad engaged, slowly lift the leg about 6-12 inches off the floor, then lower it with control. 10-15 reps x 3 sets.	This exercise builds quad control. Keep your knee locked out and avoid lifting the leg with your hip flexors.
4	Heel Slides with Caution	Lie on your back and slowly slide your heel towards your buttock, bending your knee as far as comfortable. Stop immediately if you feel any catching or sharp pain. 10-15 reps x 3 sets.	Keep the movement slow and controlled. Do not force past the point of pain or tightness. Avoid excessive knee flexion.

Cooldown (5–7 mins)

Diaphragmatic Breathing (2 mins): Lie on your back. Focus on slow, deep belly breaths to promote relaxation.
Gentle Hamstring Stretch (1 min each side): Lie on your back and gently pull one knee toward your chest with a towel or band around the foot to gently stretch the hamstring.
Gentle Quad Stretch (1 min each side): Standing, hold onto a chair for balance. Gently pull your ankle towards your buttock.
Self-Assessment (1 min): Briefly assess current discomfort and overall feeling of relaxation. Note any changes.

Written/Suggested by MMSx certified Professionals (MMSx Authority) — NEEBAL framework applied.

Disclaimer: This rehabilitation program is educational and follows evidence-based principles. **This program is designed for the rehabilitation stage and should only be initiated with direct approval from your medical professional. Individuals with persistent pain, numbness, or tingling should be immediately assessed and cleared by a medical professional.** Stop any exercise that causes increased pain, a grinding sensation, or other concerning symptoms. This is not medical advice. MMSx Authority, TrainersEye, and affiliates disclaim liability for injuries or adverse outcomes.