(2) Exercises To Help YOU Walk Down The Stairs Normally

Up with the good and down with the bad works great during the first couple weeks of rehabilitation after a total knee replacement, but with time you may want to walk down the stairs forward and if it is still challenging this exercise might be worth considering. Talk to your physical therapist about this video, share it with him/her and see if it is something you might be ready to try. Please don't try this on your own. It is an advanced strategy.

There are two parts to this video so watch through the first drill to see the second.

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[MotherBird]

This is such a helpful video. Thank you. I find that my mind is as much a barrier as my physical ability to walk down stairs. It hurt for so many years that I’ve had to really push myself to trust that it won’t hurt in the same way

[BJones-ywdd]

Brilliant. Today I'm exactly four months out from a double knee replacement and going down stairs is still not working well for a number of reasons, three of which you mention here. And I've come up with a similar side-step solution, so will give yours a try as well.
But: when all else fails, do you know what has ALWAYS stopped ALL of my knee pain, both before and after my replacement surgery?

It requires taking care to watch where you place your feet and having a good grip on a handrail, but the trick is : go down the stairs BACKWARDS. Instantly other muscles and motions are involved and even when my arthritis was at its worst -- poof! No Pain.

[alyciayoung]

This was very helpful! I have 13 steps in my townhome, and can up pretty good, even backwards! I don't get a lot of bend going down. My discomfort, and swelling is right on the kneecap. I'm a little bit over three months post op.

[eddyjimenez-scorpio]

Tony, im 6 weeks post tka. I believe i wasnt progressing enough with pt center who is treating me. Stumbled upon ur ch, and i pulled all the vids i could of pt for tka. I can honestly tell you, after 7 weeks of pt at my center along with ur techniques, im almost there. I have 130 flexion, and 2° when leg is straight. Occasional pain but nothing to sweat about. I believe ur techniques helped me break thru. Im a 65 year old male with 2 new hips and reconstructed shoulder. Youve taken me out of a dark place i was in. Thought i was never going to get better. You have a calm and reassuring attitude too. Thanx Tony, almost there.

[mstreds]

This is exactly what I needed. Had issues with stairs for years. I'm very tentative going down the stairs and I'm crouched my back when I go up the stairs. Also can you do a video about standing up from sitting?

[elsadupreez]

Such a wonderful video. Thank you. Just a quick question. How soon after total knee replacement should you be able to do the stairs? I am just over 8 weeks after surgery.

[mailybrewer]

Tony - Thank you for addressing that it is ok to have the knees go passed the toes. I've been wondering about this for a couple of days. You are an amazing teacher! You have been my concierge PT. I am so grateful!

[maryphelan]

Im 17months on from my tkr & walking down stairs is still not easy - definitely going to give your suggestions a try.

[infini.tesimo]

I never had surgery on my left knee after dislocating it last Dec 2023 but I have successfully so far made it to the recovery point where I just need to address walking down the stairs and extending my left leg pain free again so I can actually put some weight on it with the gym again. This seems like a step in the right direction (pun intended). I will never let myself be this deconditioned again which allowed that to happen in the first place.

[stephaniedodt]

OMG, Tony! I've been doing this exercise every other day for the past 3 weeks, 3 sets of 10 each time. Its working! Thank you so much for this and all your help!

[majamayamaiadjordjevic]

Hi! I have big problem going down stairs. I had surgery on my left knee and waiting for the surgery on my right knee. My main diagnose is Luxatio Patellae. Left leg is not stable yet, and patellae of my right leg is going everywhere, I can fall anytime! My fear is huge! Can you do video about that kind of problem? Thanks anyway!

[bt]

Squats are The Best. Pity i can't do them. 🤣😂🤣

[samuelcrees]

I think it will help some with my RTKR lock up at 85

[Rosegirl]

I need both knees replaced am 11 weeks TKR with my 1st but as I excercise with my op knee which is still painful my non op knee is now very painful so it's making it difficult to increase walking distance or excercise and I feel it's compromising my new knee. I am still taking painkillers. What can I do

[ianlomas]

Brilliant Tony just what I needed. Thank you

[alberttroutman]

After two knee replacements, I forgot how to descend stairs. I go down hanging on, one step at a time with one leg bending and one straight. When I try to go down step over step, I feel like my knee hyper extends or bends too deeply and it hurts. Then i swing my hips. I know this is wrong. Right now it’s embarrassing going down stairs and I’m only 55.

[AmySmith-tizh]

I had tkr surgery on my left knee three weeks ago I was at 125 range of motion I had a fall and sprained my LCL back at physical therapy and now my range of motion is down to 86 how can I fix the situation

[pamelashaw]

Thank you Tony, this video was very helpful for me. I am 70 yo female, 4 weeks post total left knee replacement. Doing very well thanks to PT and your informative videos, they really help with realistic expectations. I have pretty much backed off of pain meds. Now 3 days post last Celebrex dose. I also have “right knee” bone on bone with spurs, osteoarthritis with expected right total knee replacement in my future. I find my “ non- surgical “ knee is missing the pain meds that I had been taking for the surgical left knee. Stair navigation is quite a challenge. So your video is helpful. Before surgery I was turning and coming down the stairs backwards, like coming down off a ladder. I suspect that glute and hamstring exercises would be beneficial. Any suggestions you may have would be appreciated. I love your podcasts and dedication to we who are challenged! Thank you!

[sjcrcc]

One of my trouble spots. Thanks for the practical information.

[rociobaez]

Action speakers louder than words do more physical demonstration