Originally Posted by
bmacmx121
Leg extensions are terrible for recovering knees, it puts a lot more stress on the ACL because your ACL is what keeps your knee stable and adding whatever weight from the extension is asking for more problems. My therapist and doctor both said not to even straighten my leg in the air while i was sitting on a chair. I didn't start doing leg extensions until about 6 weeks into therapy and I was way ahead of the game in therapy, I didn't have any swelling and had all my motion back within two weeks of surgery. The biggest thing is getting motion back but do it very carefully, also get the swelling down as fast as you can. The swelling is what causes muscle atrophy because the swelling keeps your muscles from being able to contract all the way. Start with stretches, easy walking, riding the stationary bike, and as your pain and swelling go down and your range of motion gets better, then you can start to work it a little more. Walking on the treadmill on an incline will help get your calves working and help your legs get their strength back too.