Can You Use a Rowing Machine After a Knee Replacement?

Strategically including exercise into your post-knee replacement recovery routine is important to get your “new” knee and the muscles surrounding it working to full capacity. This is an opportunity for you to retrain the mechanics of your muscles, which may or may not have been compensating for a knee that was not functioning as it should before your replacement. The process of introducing exercise after knee surgery is a balancing act of listening to your body and following the guidelines of your doctor. 

As you look to choose the right exercise modality for you, you may be wondering whether you can use a rowing machine after a knee replacement. The great news is that low-impact, non-weight-bearing activities are typically encouraged after knee replacements, making a rowing machine a fantastic exercise option both during and after your recovery. 

In this blog, we’ll cover: 

• The benefits of using a rowing machine after a knee replacement

• How to modify your rowing workouts as your knee recovers

• How to stay safe when using a rowing machine after a knee replacement 

Let’s get started!

The benefits of using a rowing machine after a knee replacement

1. Rowing is low impact

Low-impact exercise is generally encouraged after knee replacements. Activities that involve running or jumping can place up to three times the force on the knee joint, putting a lot of stress on your knees. 

The goal is to find activities that will promote the longevity of your new knee. While rowing is a low-impact activity, it can also be high-intensity. This makes it perfect if you want a good workout that is easy on your joints. 

2. Rowing provides cardiovascular endurance

Rowing machines really get your heart and muscles pumping! With the heart working to pump blood and oxygen to your working muscles, there is a natural strengthening of the heart. This increase in blood flow during aerobic exercise is especially important to prevent blood clots from forming and can aid in the recovery of the knee area by increasing the nutrients and oxygen to the knee joint. Your cardiovascular system will thank you for rowing and providing a great cardio workout. 

3. Rowing strengthens many muscles

Rowing activates multiple upper- and lower-body muscles, including several important muscles and tendons—the quads, hamstrings, and glutes—surrounding the knee joint. In fact, rowing works a whopping 86% of your body's muscles, giving you a full-body workout in each stroke. The repetitive motion and activation of these muscles will strengthen the muscles and subsequently the area around the knee, creating a healthy stability for the knee joint.

4. Rowing is a safe, linear movement 

Following knee replacement surgery, it is generally recommended to avoid exercise that involves contact sports or any twisting/jerking of the knee joint. With an indoor rowing machine, you’re working out in a controlled environment that will help keep your knee safe. 

Additionally, rowing involves linear movement as you move back and forth in a seated position, which encourages a predictable, smooth, continuous movement. 

5. Maintain a healthy weight by keeping active

Maintaining a healthy body weight helps you decrease the stress on your joints. Your speed, intensity, resistance and duration all influence the number of calories you burn as you work out. Because rowing is a full-body exercise, you can burn more calories in less time than other popular workout types. 

How to modify your rowing workouts as your knee recovers

You can modify your indoor rowing machine workouts to suit the many stages of knee replacement recovery, from immediately after your surgery to a fully healthy, active knee. Here are the various modifications you can make: 

Knee replacement: Early stages

Sit in a chair next to your rowing machine with your leg fully extended, then put the foot of your knee replacement on the rowing seat. Complete a heel-drag motion, bending your knee and moving your heel towards the chair you are sitting in (or towards your butt). Aim to increase the range of movement over time. The rowing seat helps with the ease of this movement. 

Over time, you can progress to sitting on the seat of the rowing machine with your knee-replacement leg straight and your other foot strapped in the foot stretchers. Complete single-leg rowing, gradually adding in some foot press and bending of the other knee. 

Knee replacement: Later stages

Strap both feet into foot stretchers of the rowing machine. Move through a range of motion that challenges yet works within the comfort of your knee joint. Gradually work towards increasing the bend of the knee as you move up the slide so that you are rowing at optimal compression with knees over the ankles.

Related blog: Is Rowing Good for Knees?

How to stay safe when using a rowing machine after a knee replacement 

• Consult a doctor/PT: Before starting any exercise regimen after your knee replacement, it is encouraged to touch base with a doctor or physical therapist to ensure you have the green light to row. 

• Work within your current stage of ability: Always work within a range of motion and duration that is compatible with where you are in your fitness journey with the knee replacement. Be patient and know that a full range of motion and duration of activity will be achieved in due time.

• Listen to your body: Don’t ignore pain, swelling, tenderness, or redness. If you are experiencing any signs of concern, consult your doctor.

• Proper rowing technique: Learning the proper mechanics of the rowing stroke is important to prevent injuries, help you enjoy your workouts, and maximize your performance. 

Rowing after a knee replacement: Final thoughts

If you are looking for an exercise that will help you recover from your knee replacement, rowing machines are a great option, providing low-impact cardio exercise that will increase your mobility and strengthen your overall knee health.

Considering investing in a rowing machine for your home? Be sure to check out Hydrow! Our rowing machines come with various types of workouts and duration options for all fitness levels and are led by world-class Athletes who can provide instruction on proper form to keep you on the right track. Our workouts are also filmed in stunning locations around the world, transporting you to gorgeous global destinations that keep you motivated to come back again and again. 

Learn more about the benefits of a Hydrow rowing machine today!