Help - what PT exercises are safe?

[iliastolos]

Hi munchie!

Exercise after DVT diagnosis has not proven to be so effective as expected to! Although exercise increases blood flow, it is questionable whether venous blood flow (particularly deep venous) is improved when DVT is present. I would suggest to 'test and try'. That is very mild exercise and watch for symptoms. If 10 minutes of bike or walking causes light pain and swelling, then do not increase time or intensity unless you have no such symptoms. Keep on with medication and perform mild exercise until symptoms disappear.

As for your knee rehab exercises, since the knee is part of the lower extremity, it is almost certain that any exercise could aggravate symptoms. Therefore, try mild exercise, such as leg raises in supine or prone and definitely without resistance.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Unfortunately, research data is poor concerning exercise and DVT. So, be gentle with whatever you do!

ilias

[Munchie]

Thanks for your response ilias.

I have been walking quite a bit to try and encourage blood flow.

You are right about there being little information with regards to exercise whilst having a dvt. Unfortunately it seems that individual medical staff have their own ideas on what or how much to do.

I have been told to not do anything other than just walking whilst also being told that some form of exercise, which doesn't cause too much pain or swelling is ok. I have also been told that I should try and stretch out my hamstrings by lying down and raising my leg upright and pulling my toes down towards me (I hope you understand what position I am describing ). I have also been told I can do some leg curls with a very small weight to help my knee rehab. With regards to supine or prone positions - do this mean whilst lying on either my back and front, I raise my leg up straight and hold to help my muscle?

I won't be doing anything too quickly or with any resistance for a while, especially with the pain I felt after I went swimming.

Thanks again.