Before using the Knee Sled, take a few minutes to watch the quick instructions videos we’ve provided below. Additionally, let your Physical Therapist and Doctor know that you are using a Knee Sled. Show them the “Knee Sled protocol” to confirm they don’t want to make any changes.

Once you’re ready to get started, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • If you are being treated by a physical therapy, we recommend using the Knee Sled on days you aren't doing any physical therapy treatments.
  • Before using the resistance bands that come with your Knee Sled, read the instructions included.
  • Use resistance bands when performing strengthening exercises. 
  • Once you're ready to start resistance training, begin with the light resistance band (white) and gradually increase to your tolerance to the standard resistance band (black).

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

PROTOCOLS

Using The Knee Sled for an ACL repair.

When you’re ready to using your Knee Sled for an ACL repair, keep the following in mind:

  1. You can begin heel slides the day after surgery, flexing your knee up to your tolerance where you feel no pain, but a good stretch. Perform 30 repetitions, 3 times per day.
  2. Use your Knee Sled for hamstring stretching once your quad strength is adequate to lift into hip flexion. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds. Perform this 5 times, once a day. 
  3. Once you’re at least 90 degrees of knee flexion and adequate quad strength, you may begin performing  “air walks”. Repeat this exercise 5 times x 30 seconds each, once per day. 
  4. Before starting resistance training with the resistance bands provided, its important that you consult with your surgeon. The type of graft your Doctor used may require that you delay any resistance training. For example, with a hamstring autograft, resistance strengthening might start closer to 8 to 12 weeks post surgery. Resistance band strength training can normally be started on average at about 3 to 6 weeks after your surgery, if you’ve achieved full range of motion (ROM). Once you begin resistance band training, start with the light resistance band (white) and gradually increase to your tolerance to the standard resistance band (black). Perform 3 sets of 10, 3 times per week. Resistance training should be performed on days you don’t have physical therapy treatment.

Using The Knee Sled for an Knee Meniscus repair.

When you’re ready to using your Knee Sled for a knee meniscus repair, keep the following in mind:

  1. May begin heel slides the day after surgery. To perform a heel slide you flex your knee up to your tolerance where you feel no pain, but is still a good stretch. DO NOT EXCEED > 90 degrees of knee flexion for first 4 weeks post surgery. Perform heel slides 3 times a day x 30.
  2. Use your Knee Sled to perform hamstring stretches once your quad strength is adequate to lift into hip flexion. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds. Perform 5 times once a day.
  3. Once your knee flexion reaches at least 90 degrees and you have adequate quad strength, start performing  “air walks” 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  4. You can start resistance band training 4 weeks after your surgery, if you’ve achieved full ROM. Begin with light resistance and gradually increase to your tolerance. Perform 3 sets of 10, 3 times per week. Resistance training is to be performed on days do not have any physical therapy.

Using The Knee Sled for a Knee Meniscectomy

When you’re ready to using your Knee Sled for an ACL repair, keep the following in mind:

  1. You may begin heel slides the day after surgery, flexing your knee up to your tolerance where you feel no pain, but a good stretch. Perform 30 repetitions, 3 times per day.
  2. You may use the knee sled for hamstring stretching once quad strength is adequate to lift into hip flexion. Please hold stretch for 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  3. Once you are at least 90 degrees of knee flexion and adequate quad strength, you may begin “air walks” 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  4. You can start resistance band training 2 weeks after your surgery, if you’ve achieved full ROM. Begin with light resistance and gradually increase to your tolerance. Perform 3 sets of 10, 3 times per week. Resistance training is to be performed on days do not have any physical therapy.

Using The Knee Sled for an Knee Replacement.

When you’re ready to using your Knee Sled for a knee replacement, keep the following in mind:

  1. You can start performing  heel slides the day after surgery, flexing your knee up to your tolerance where you feel no pain, but a good stretch. Perform 30 repetitions, 3 times per day.
  2. May begin heel sides with anchor pad the day after surgery, “locking” the anchor pad once you reach your stretch tolerance. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat for 5 repetitions, 3 times per day.
  3. You may use Knee Sled for hamstring stretching once quad strength is adequate to lift into hip flexion. Please hold stretch for 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  4. Once patient reaches at least 90 degrees of knee flexion and adequate quad strength, may begin “air walks” 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  5. You can start resistance band training 2 weeks after your surgery, if you’ve achieved full ROM. Begin with light resistance and gradually increase to your tolerance. Perform 3 sets of 10, 3 times per week. Resistance training is to be performed on days do not have any physical therapy.

Using The Knee Sled arthritic pain, sprains and strains.

When you’re ready to using your Knee Sled for arthritic pain, sprains and strains. 

  1. You may begin heel slides immediately, flexing your knee up to your tolerance where you feel no pain, but a good stretch. Perform 30 repetitions, 3 times per day.
  2. You may use the Knee Sled for hamstring stretching once quad strength is adequate to lift into hip flexion. Please hold stretch for 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  3. Once you reach at least 90 degrees of knee flexion and adequate quad strength, may begin “air walks” 5 repetitions x 30 sec each, once per day.
  4. You may begin resistance band training immediately if patient has full knee ROM. Begin with light resistance and gradually increase to your tolerance. Perform 3 sets of 10, 3 times per week. Resistance training is to be performed on days patient does not have physical therapy treatment.
  5.  

RESOURCES

For additional guidance on how to use the Knee Sled and the resistance, feel free to download the resources below.