The use of an artificial joint, be it in the hip or knee area (THA or TKA), marks a turning point for more mobility and quality of life for many patients. Nevertheless, there are often uncertainties about which physical activities can be practiced safely after the operation. In particular, the strength sport raises questions: Which exercises are suitable with hip-tep and knee-tep? Which should be avoided? And how does the choice of prosthesis, for example a short -time prosthesis, influence the training opportunities? This article provides well -founded answers to these questions and offers practical recommendations for safe training.
2. Extra sport with an artificial hip joint
After the implantation of an artificial hip joint (THA), it is crucial to strengthen the surrounding muscles in order to support the stability and functionality of the joint. Targeted strength training can help promote rehabilitation and increase the quality of life.
2.1 Recommended exercises with hip prosthesis
- Leg press with moderate resistance : This exercise strengthens the thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps, without overloading the hip joint. It is important to control the range of motion and not to make extreme bow.
- Abductor and adductor training : The training of the side thigh muscles improves the stability of the hip joint. Exercises can be carried out on special machines or with resistance tapes.
- Wading lifting standing : This exercise strengthens the calf muscles and supports the leg axis, which contributes to relieving the hip joint.
- Full stabilization (planks) : A strong fuselage supports posture and reduces the stress onto the hip. Planks and their variations are particularly suitable for this.
It is recommended to start with light weights and gradually increase the intensity. The correct execution of the exercises should always be in the foreground in order to avoid incorrect loads.
2.2 Exercises with hip prosthesis to be avoided
- Deep squats (below 90 degrees) : These can unnecessarily strain the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation.
- High weight loss steps : You increase the load on the hip joint and can lead to instabilities.
- Leg press with high resistance : excessive resistance can lead to increased compression in the hip joint.
- Exercises with strong hip rotation : movements that require extreme inner or exterior rotation of the hip should be avoided because they can increase the risk of prosthesis disluxation.
In general, exercises should be avoided that require extreme flexion or rotation of the hip joint.
2.3 Advantages of the short sector prosthesis
The short -time prosthesis offers some advantages over traditional prostheses, especially for active patients:
- Keeping bone : The shorter anchoring gives more of your own bones, which facilitates future revisions.
- More physiological stress : The strain on the bone is similar to that of the natural hip joint, which promotes muscle building.
- Faster rehabilitation : patients can often start training earlier and achieve their full performance faster.
These advantages make the short -time prosthesis particularly attractive for younger and sporty patients.
3. Empty sport with an artificial knee joint
An artificial knee joint (TKA) also requires adapted strength training to ensure the functionality and durability of the implant.
3.1 Recommended exercises with a knee prosthesis
Following a total knee (TKA), it is important to specifically strengthen the muscles around the knee joint in order to promote stability and mobility. Suitable exercises are:
- Leg extensor with light resistance:
- Trains the quadriceps (front thigh muscles).
- Supports the knee stretching and ensures stability when walking.
- Leggel by sitting or lying down:
- Strengthens the rear thigh muscles (Hamstrings).
- Important for the harmonious interplay of flexor and stretch muscles.
- Calf lifting while sitting or standing:
- Promotes the stability of the ankles, which relieves the knee.
- Full stabilization (side and classic planks):
- Supports an upright attitude and relieves the joints.
- Step-ups to a low level (10–15 cm):
- Trains the power of the legs and the coordination.
- Strengthens the quadriceps without unnecessarily stressing the knee.
3.2 Exercises with a knee prosthesis to be avoided
Some exercises pose risks for an artificial knee joint and should be carried out with caution or not at all:
- Deep squats (below 90 degrees):
- Lead to high load on the knee joint and can damage the implant.
- Leg press with very high weight:
- High compression forces can lead to premature wear.
- Jumping exercises (e.g. box jumps, jumping rope):
- Increase the impact load and the risk of implant loosening.
- Leg presses with one -sided load:
- Can lead to asymmetrical stress on the joint.
4. General recommendations for training with a prosthesis
4.1 Warm up and stretch
A thorough warm -up improves blood circulation and protects the joints from overload. Be recommended:
- 5–10 minutes of light cardio (e.g. cycling or walking on the treadmill)
- Gentle mobilization exercises for hips and knees
- Dynamic stretching to improve mobility
4.2 Progression and intensity
- The training should
begin little resistance
- Increasing the load
slowly and controlled .
- Higher repetition numbers (12–15) with moderate weights are often safer than maximum strength attempts.
- No jerky movements or abrupt stress changes.
4.3 Excessive strength development and implant wear
An artificial joint is resilient, but not indestructible. Excessive strength development can lead to implant components wear out or relax faster.
- Avoid extremely high weights : heavy squats or cross lifting are particularly dangerous.
- Pay attention to creeping wear symptoms : pain or feelings of instability are warning signals.
- Perceive regular check -ups in orthopedic surgeons.
5. Time of the start of training after the joint replacement
Immediately after the implantation of an artificial joint, strength sport does not make sense. The body initially takes enough time to heal. It is particularly important to regenerate the soft tissue and muscle coat, which has been severed or stretched during the operation. In addition, the implant has to fit stable in the bones.
- Early phase (0–6 weeks) : focus on gentle mobility exercises, gait training and slight stress under physiotherapeutic guidance.
- Medium -term phase (6–12 weeks) : slow muscle building with functional exercises, but without high resistance.
- Late phase (from 3–6 months) : Only when the artificial joint has grown completely into the bone and the muscles have stabilized can be started with targeted strength sports.
An early introduction to intensive training can increase the risk of implant loosening or soft tissue damage. It is therefore crucial to wait for the individual healing process and to work closely with the treating doctor or physiotherapist.
6. Conclusion: Strength training is also possible with artificial joint!
Strength training and sports with an artificial joint is not only possible, but also recommended - provided that the right exercises are chosen and excessive stress is avoided.
- With the hip joint, stabilizing exercises and good fuselage muscles are
- At the knee joint, the quadriceps should be trained in a targeted manner without overloading the joint.
- The
short sector offers active advantages and makes it easier to return to sport.
- Excessive strength development can damage the implant , so the load should be increased moderately.
With a well thought -out training planning, strength sport with artificial joint can contribute to long -term health and mobility.