How do I keep up my knee rehab while fasting in Ramadan?

Timing your exercise

While fasting, energy and hydration are lowest in the late afternoon. Heavy leg sessions at that time feel harder and are more likely to cause dizziness or poor technique.

• Late evening, one to two hours after iftar: often the most practical time for strength work, gym sessions and supervised physiotherapy
• Before iftar: short, gentle sessions such as quad sets, straight-leg raises, bending exercises or a short walk, if you feel well
• After suhoor: some people prefer a brief morning session, though sleep is often short in Ramadan

Many clinics and gyms in Doha adjust their hours during Ramadan, with evening and late-night slots, so ask your physiotherapist about the timetable early.

Hydration, food and recovery

Drink water steadily between iftar and suhoor rather than all at once, and include protein at both meals to support muscle repair. Avoid training straight after a large iftar. Sleep is part of recovery, so short nights may mean you need to keep sessions shorter rather than skip them.

If you take medicines for pain, swelling or blood clot prevention after surgery, discuss the timing with your doctor before Ramadan. For questions about fasting and medication from a religious point of view, patients can consult a scholar.

What to keep and what to reduce

The aim in Ramadan is usually to maintain progress rather than to push for big gains. Two or three good strength sessions a week, plus daily range-of-movement work, is usually enough to hold strength. Running, jumping and sport-specific drills are better scheduled for evenings or postponed for a few weeks if energy is low.

Stop exercising and rest if you feel faint, dizzy, short of breath or have chest pain. Seek urgent care for calf swelling or breathlessness after surgery.

Planning surgery around Ramadan

If you are considering knee surgery, timing relative to Ramadan, Eid and travel is worth discussing early, because the first weeks of rehabilitation are the most demanding. Dr. Gelber can help you plan a date that suits your recovery.