Advice On Physical Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement

If you or someone you know is to undergo knee replacement surgery

, you must understand that a successful outcome does not begin the day after surgery. The patient needs to undergo active physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to make certain a successful outcome that will eventually be free of discomfort and pain. This article will provide an overview of the physical rehabilitation process.

Right after the surgery your first instinct may be to rest and curtail daily physical activity, especially if you suffered from extensive pain prior to surgery. Instead of resting, however, it's very important to partake in physical activity which builds up the muscles in your leg and develop control of the new joints. After surgery you will consult your doctor and receive instructions and general guidance on exercise and physical activity.

You will also be visited by a physical therapist, who, on the first day after your surgery, will instruct you on how to use your new knee and on basic exercises that will get you started on the healing process. Your immediate goals that you will want to achieve before being discharged from the hospital (between three to seven days after surgery) are: to independently get in and out of bed, demonstrate progress on bending your new knee (to around 90 degrees) and extending it, and walk with crutches or a walking aid and climb and descend a couple of steps. The physical therapist will show you other exercises that you should do at home in addition to the exercises that you have already learned.

Before you arrive home you should make sure that you have someone that can assist. In order to make you house suitable for when you arrive home, it's best to set up a sleeping room for yourself so that you do not have to climb and descend stairs during the first couple of weeks. Rugs, cords, or anything that could be slipped on should be removed. Additionally, it's best to place a chair in the shower or install a bar that can be used for balance when washing. If you do not have someone who can provide assistance if your house cannot for some reason be rearranged to accommodate you, then you should request to be placed into a rehabilitation center after surgery. This request should be made prior to surgery however.

At home it is very important to continue the physcial therapy exercises. If you continue to do the exercises and are active daily, you can expect steady progress and you will gradually increase your endurance over a period of six to twelve months. In addition to doing the daily exercises, it's also advisable to ride a stationary bicycle, which will help develop your muscles and gradually increase your new knee's flexibility.If over time and after continuous physical activity and exercises you do not see any gradual improvement, you should consult your doctor immediately to determine if there is a problem.

by: Maria Gonzales

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