Physical Therapy and Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a big step in life to unleash new energy and mobility with the newly replaced knee.

You will automatically feel the excruciating pain wane off as the damaged knee is replaced. However, this does not mean that you can swing back to action and resume activities at your pace. The newly replaced knee has to be treated in a specific manner with proper guidance and understanding.

The best orthopedic in Punjab, Dr. Tanveer Bhutani, EVA Hospital says that knee replacement is a very valuable tool that will pave way for a pain-free life and make you independent as you can perform an increased range of motion.

“Pre-surgery precautions and post-surgery care are the two most important milestones which mark the success of the knee replacement surgery,” adds Dr. Bhutani. You should judiciously follow the precautions and measures recommended before the surgery so that you prepare your body and the knee for the surgery in the right direction.

Likewise adhering to the post-surgery precautions and care will enhance the life of the new knee and help you lead a better life.

When can you Start Physical Therapy?

You will be told to start physical therapy right after the surgery.Dr. Bhutani says, “We advise our patients to start physical therapy right within a day after the surgery.”

The physical therapist usually comes to the patient’s room to assess the patient and guide him with the new set of exercises that are safe for the new knee with the stitches on. The aim of physical therapy is to restore the knee movement and help you walk without any inhibitions. The exercises help to strengthen the knee movement.

On the Day- One after the surgery, the therapist helps you put your body weight in the knee and assists you in gaining confidence to walk. With the aid of a walker and the guidance of the therapist, you will be able to take a few steps on the first day after the surgery.

Within the first week, you will be asked to do simple exercises like tightening thigh muscles and pumping ankles up and down. Gradually the therapist will escalate these simple exercises to climbing a few stair steps.

Within a span of four weeks, you will be able to walk with a cane or a single crutch (if needed). Also, you will be recommended to pedal backward on an exercise bike and continue that to build on the strength and agility of the knees.

Also read: How to decide the time for knee replacement surgery?

What happens if you don’t do Physical Therapy after the Knee Replacement Surgery?

You will strictly hamper the recovery and healing process if you do not follow the exercise guidelines with your physical therapist. Therapists is trained to work on exercises, postures, manual therapy, and other effective methods that can improve knee strength and mobility.

If you avoid exercise or consultation with the therapist, negative outcomes will be encouraged and you will reverse the benefits of the surgery. The following are a few outcomes if you do not exercise:

• Weak Muscles

If you do not exercise your muscles will be rendered futile and can become weak. If you do not use the muscles consistently, chances of muscle atrophy become higher.

• Decrease in Blood Flow

Due to lack of exercise, there will be less blood stimulation to the knee and as a result, the new knee will not function as smoothly as anticipated. The healing process will be ruptured and revision surgery may be required too soon if there is less blood flow to the body parts.

• Lack of Mobility

Instead of being independent and learning new moves, you will restrict the mobility of the muscles if you do not exercise. The knee will feel the stress of eth body weight and movement if it is not strengthened with exercises and stretches.

Dr. Bhutani strongly advocates adhering to the post-surgery care instructions related to incision care, medications, and exercises with the help of a physical therapist.

Are you ready to be Back to Normal Life?

Within 4-6 weeks, you can resume your daily chores. Going in and out of the car, buying groceries, walking, biking and light hikes are possible without any pain if you exercise and maintain knee strength.

You may have to avoid strenuous physical activities like tennis, skiing, running, or any activity that involves too much pressure on the knee.

Over to You

Knee replacement surgery is a boon where you can be doing your daily chores without stress and pain-free. To add life to the new knee and to enhance the versatility of the motions, you must take physical therapy and exercises seriously and must not take them for granted.

Proper post-surgery care can add life and strength to the knee. For any doubts or guidance about the best physical therapy, contact Dr. Tanveer Bhutani, Punjab’s best orthopedic with a specialization in knee replacement surgery, and plan your way to pain-free life full of energy and vigor.