Allison G. had a knee replacement. She told me, “My doctor was really pushing me ‘to get on a bike, get on a bike’. The first time I went to the gym, between 3-4 weeks post-op, I just sat there on the recumbent bike and I cried, because I couldn’t get around one time.”
That wasn’t Allison’s fault. It was just geometry. Standard exercise bikes simply require more bend than your healing knee can give. Home exercise bikes are not built for knee rehab. They are built for fitness. But OrthoBike HERO isn’t a home exercise bike. It is a specially designed therapy device for the early stages of knee rehab.
Why Recumbent Stationary Exercise Bikes Don’t Work for Stiff Knees
After knee surgery or injury, your knee only bends to 60–70° in the first few days. But a conventional stationary bike requires 100–110° of knee flexion so you can make a full rotation comfortably.
You wouldn’t even think to pedal the fitness bike in the clinic. Your fear goes through the roof. It is simply the wrong tool for the job of rehab.
OrthoBike HERO changes that geometry to give you hope. With adjustable crank arms and seat, you can start pedaling safely at just 55–60° of flexion and progress systematically toward 120°. Each new setting of pedals and seat represents real, measurable improvement.
Understanding Knee Flexion: The Science Behind It
Figure 1 shows how your knee moves through a total range of about 0° (straight) to 135° (fully bent). You need about 90° to go up and down stairs normally, and 60–70° to walk.
The orange lines in Figure 2 show the knee flexion range where you can pedal your conventional stationary bike with little pain, starting at about 100–105°. This means most patients must endure several weeks of manual therapy before they can begin cycling for therapy. By then, they are almost ready to be discharged.
The OrthoBike HERO expands that range dramatically (Figure 3). Its adjustable pedals and seat allow you to pedal comfortably through a much broader span—from early limited range of motion (55–60°) to full flexion (120°+). You pedal and you get manual therapy for flexion—a great combination. That’s how recovery with OrthoBike starts sooner, and confidence appears in the beginning of your rehab.
What to Look for in a Bike for Limited Knee Flexion
Here’s what separates a true rehab bike from a regular exercise bike:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Short crank arms (50–52 mm) | Allows full pedal rotation with as little as 60° of knee bend. |
| Adjustable crank positions | Lets you gradually increase range of motion as your knee improves. |
| Recumbent or step-through frame | Easier to mount post-surgery, safer for hips and back. |
| Low or zero resistance | Promotes movement without strain in early recovery. |
| Supportive seat and handles | Provides stability when you’re regaining strength and confidence. |
When these features come together, you get the right tool that works with your knee.
The OrthoBike HERO: Designed for Faster & Better Recovery
OrthoBike HERO was engineered for patients in early rehab who can’t yet use traditional bikes. It gives them the gentle, circular motion that accelerates recovery, builds strength, and eliminates fear.
Why it works:
- Designed specifically for repetitive motion at limited knee flexion.
- Lets you pedal without pain at less than 60° of flexion.
- Uses a numbered crank and seat system so you can make incremental and systematic progress (ISP) over time, and know where you are on your journey.
- Pain-free cycling rehab within 48 hours post-surgery.
- Lightweight, portable, and recommended by physical therapists.
It’s purpose-built for knee and hip recovery, not a modified fitness bike.
Rehab Smarter, Not Harder
Your knee needs pain-free, controlled movement that builds confidence and range of motion. Not only does cycling motion increase circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent scar tissue from limiting mobility, but it alleviates your fear of moving your knee. For a successful recovery, this might be the most important benefit!
That’s what makes OrthoBike HERO such a powerful therapy tool: it encourages you to move the joint towards healing.
Ready to Start Moving Again?
If your knee doesn’t bend past 60–70 degrees, you need to start cycling therapy now. Don’t wait until the therapist painfully stretches your knee to 100–110° so you can finally ride a conventional bike. The OrthoBike HERO allows you to start pedaling day one, safely and comfortably, with a goal.
Have questions about how OrthoBike can help you in your circumstances? Contact us today!
