Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure, and physical knee rehabilitation is crucial to a full recovery. For you to meet the goals of total knee surgery, you must take ownership of the rehabilitation process and work diligently on your own, and with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The knee rehabilitation process following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful and challenging.Your orthopedic surgeon and/or physical therapist will probably assign a specific protocol to you, based on your rehabilitation needs. The following protocol is just an example of the exercises you might do during rehabilitation. When in doubt about an exercise, follow the protocol outlined by your surgeon and/or physical therapist.
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 -- and help you get ready for discharge from the hospital. The following steps will help maximize your range of motion following surgery:
- Strict adherence to the CPM protocol prescribed by your surgeon
- Early physical therapy (day 1 or 2) to begin range of motion exercises and walking program
- Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression stocking, and elevation)
- Adequate pain control so you can tolerate the rehabilitation regimen
Outpatient Physical Therapy:
Your outpatient knee rehabilitation program will include exercises designed to help you regain range of motion in the knee
and build strength in the muscles that support the knee. You will
follow an advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated.
A stationary cycle and a walking program will help increase
range of motion and stamina, and an aquatic therapy program may also be
added.
Typical Home Exercises:
Instructions in your home exercise program may include some of the exercises shown below. Consult your therapist regarding the appropriateness of the exercises and the number of repetitions.
Ankle Pumps: Flex the ankle back and forth.
Quadriceps Sets: Tighten thigh muscles and hold for five seconds.
Heel slides: Flex your hip and knee, then return knee to the straight position.
Leg lifts: Raise leg six inches above the floor, keeping knee straight.
Knee extensions: Place a pillow under your knee. Lift your foot off the mat.
Knee flexion stretch: Place a towel under your heel. Pull your knee toward your chest. Hold your knee in this flexed position for 15-20 seconds. Return knee to the straight position.
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. The suggestions below will also help:
• Sitting: Use a chair with arms to help you rise to a standing position. Avoid sitting for longer than an hour. If you must sit for a longer time, elevate the foot to avoid swelling.
• Walking: Do not put weight through the joint until you’ve been cleared to do so by your surgeon.
• Lifting: Do not lift more than ten pounds.
• Showering: Showers are preferred over baths because of difficulties getting in and out of the tub.
• Exercising: Do the exercises recommended by your doctor and physical therapist. Go to physical therapy as prescribed, and get advice from your therapist about doing the exercises correctly.
• Driving: Get into a car by first sitting down 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 this.
Long-Term Knee Rehabilitation Goals:
Once you’ve completed your knee rehabilitation therapy, you can expect a range of motion from 100 to 120 degrees of knee flexion, mild or no pain with walking or other activities, and independence with all activities of daily living.
Contents courtesy of knee-replacement-info.com