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Rehabilitation after Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure, and
physical knee rehabilitation is crucial to a full recovery. In order
for you to meet the goals of total knee surgery, you must take
ownership of the rehabilitation process and work diligently on your
own, as well as with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal
clinical and functional results.
Your Orthopedic Surgeon and/or Physical Therapist will most likely
assign a specific protocol to you, based on your rehabilitation needs.
The following protocol is meant only to give you an idea of the kind
of exercises you might do during rehabilitation. Always follow the
plan of care developed for you by your orthopaedic surgeon.
Early Rehabilitation
Your knee rehabilitation program begins in the hospital
after surgery. Early goals of knee rehabilitation in the hospital are
to reduce knee stiffness and maximize post-operative range of motion
as well as to help you get ready for discharge. The following steps
may be taken to help maximize your range of motion following surgery:
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Early physical therapy (day 1 or 2) to begin range
of motion exercises and walking program
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Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression
stocking, and elevation)
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Adequate pain control so you can tolerate the
rehabilitation regimen
Outpatient Physical Therapy
Your
outpatient knee rehabilitation program will consist of a variety of
exercises designed to help you regain range of motion in the knee and
build strength in the muscles which support the knee. You will follow
an advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated. A
stationery cycle and walking program will be used to help increase
range of motion and stamina, and an aquatic therapy program may be
added as well.
Typical
Home Exercises
Instructions in your home exercise program may include the exercises
shown below. Consult with your orthopaedic surgeon & your therapist
regarding the appropriateness of the exercises and the number of reps.
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Ankle pumps: Flex ankle up and
down. |
Quadriceps sets: Tighten thigh
muscles and Hold for five seconds. |
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Heel slides: Flex your hip and
knee. Return knee to the straight position.
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Leg lifts: Raise leg six inches
above the floor, keeping knee straight. |
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Knee flexion stretch: Place a
towel under your heel. Pull your knee towards your chest. Hold
your knee in this flexed position for 15-20 seconds. Return knee
to the straight position. |
Knee extension: Place a pillow
under your knee. Lift your foot off the mat.
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At Home
There are several things you can
do at home to make your knee rehabilitation more successful. First of
all, do the home exercise program as prescribed by your physical
therapist. Next, follow these suggestions for daily activities:
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Sitting:
Use a chair with arms to help you rise to a standing position. Avoid
sitting for longer than an hour if possible. If you must sit for a
longer time, elevate the foot to avoid swelling.
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Walking:
Do not put weight through the joint until you’ve been cleared to do
so by your surgeon.
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Lifting:
Do not lift more than ten pounds.
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Showering:
Showering is preferable to bathing because of difficulties
getting in and out of the tub.
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Exercising:
Do the exercises that were recommended by your doctor and physical
therapist. Go to physical therapy as prescribed and get advice from
your therapist as to whether you’re doing the exercises correctly.
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Getting into a car and
driving: Get into a car by sitting on the edge of
the seat, then pulling in the legs and turning to face forward.
Driving is usually not recommended for the first six weeks post-op.
Talk with your surgeon about driving sooner.
Long-Term Knee Rehabilitation Goals
Once you’ve completed your knee rehabilitation
therapy, you can expect a range of motion from 100-120 degrees of knee
flexion, mild or no pain with walking or other functional activities,
and independence with all activities of daily living.
Click here for specific discharge instructions for our post operative
knee replacement patients |
