Post-Surgical Rehab for Knee Replacement: What to Expect

Knee replacement surgery replaces part of an injured or worn-out knee joint. The surgeon replaces the damaged parts with artificial parts to relieve pain and restore mobility. You can undergo this surgery if you have problems climbing the stairs, walking, or getting out of chairs due to issues with your knee joint.

After surgery, returning to the life you lived before is not going to be straightforward. One of the foremost challenges is pain, which is quite normal. This is because your body has undergone trauma from the surgery and needs time to heal. Knee pain after surgery should go away within a few weeks, and your surgeon will likely prescribe medications, rest and other knee pain treatment measures to help you recover quickly. Another surefire way of recovering faster following knee surgery is post-surgical rehabilitation in Amityville, NY. Contact us today.

Post-Surgical Rehab After Knee Replacement 

Physical therapy is one of the fastest recovery methods for knee pain management after surgery. Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that can help restore movement and strengthen your knee. The plan may include gentle exercises at home to reduce swelling. Walking to do these exercises for 30 minutes, two to three times daily, is best to improve your mobility. Here’s what you can expect:

Immediately after Surgery

Physical therapy starts immediately after your knee replacement surgery. This treatment stage usually occurs in the hospital. Your physical therapist will help you sit up in bed and get out of bed. You will also start to walk and exercise your knees. These exercises are gentle and will help strengthen you. 

Your physical therapist may also ask you to squeeze your buttocks or pump your ankles. These exercises aim to stop blood from pooling in your body.

Week 1 - 2 Post-Surgery

Within the first week after your surgery, you should be able to get out of bed on your own. Your doctor will discharge you around this time, and you can continue your physical therapy treatment at home or in a clinic.

During this stage, your physical therapist will focus on treatment that improves your knee strength and mobility. You may carry out exercises like leg raises, ankle pumps, knee straightening, and walking.

The goal of this stage of knee pain therapy is to ensure you can bend your knee to a degree of 90 at the end of the week.

Weeks 3 - 6 Post-Surgery

As your treatment progresses, you will gradually regain your strength and rely less on assistive devices like canes. Your physical therapist will also include low-impact activities in your treatment. For instance, you may swim, ride a stationary bike, and walk frequently.

The goal of your physical therapy program at this stage is to bend your knee to a degree of 120 degrees. At the end of the treatment, you should be able to do your household chores and daily activities. You may also be able to return to work if your job does not require climbing or heavy lifting. 

Weeks 7 - 12 Post-Surgery

These are the final weeks of your rehabilitation post-knee replacement. Your physical therapist will work with you to maximize your function at this stage. You will do more balance exercises and walk without an assistive device.

At this stage of your treatment, you should be able to return to your lower-impact daily activities. Your physical therapist will also recommend at-home exercises to strengthen your knee. It is important to follow the program for a full recovery.

You should also abstain from high-impact activities like football, running, and skiing.

Physical Therapy Exercises For Post-Surgical Rehabilitation in Merrick, NY.

The following physical therapy exercise for knee pain can help after your surgery;

Straight leg raises

• Lie on your back with the non-affected knee bent and your operated knee straight.
• Tighten your quad to straighten the affected knee
• Keep your knee straight and lift your leg straight up into the air
• When your thighs are parallel to each other, hold the position for 2 to 3 seconds
• Slowly lower your leg so that your heel touches the floor before your knee does

Knee extensions

• Sit with your knee bent
• Fully straighten your operated knee
• Squeeze your quadriceps on the extended leg

Squats

• Sit in a chair
• Stand up
• Sit back down

Leg Lifts

• Straighten your knee on a bed and tighten your thigh muscles
• Lift your legs off the bed by a few inches
• Hold that position for 5 to 10 seconds
• Lower your legs slowly
• Repeat 5 to 10 times

Straight Leg Raises

• Lie on your back and raise one leg at a time
• Hold your leg in the air for 5 seconds
• Do the exercise 10 times, three times in a day

Ankle Pumps

• Lie on your back on your bed
• Move your foot back and forth. Pull your toes toward your head and then point your toes down
• Do the exercise with both ankles at the same time
• Repeat 10 times every hour

Short-Arc Quads

• Lie on your back and extend your legs
• Put a pillow or rolled towel under the operated knee
• Lift the heel of your operated leg off the bed
• Hold for five seconds
• Repeat 10 times, three times a day

How To Deal With Pain After Knee Replacement 

Because pain after knee replacement surgery is normal, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment to provide relief. These treatments may include;

Medications 

Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve pain. It is advisable to use these drugs as prescribed and only for short-term pain relief. 

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)

RICE treatment can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after your knee replacement surgery. You should rest your leg and prop your body against a pillow. This reduces swelling and stress on your knee. Ice can also reduce swelling and pain. Apply an ice pack to your knee for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use the ice directly on your skin to prevent frostbite. Instead, wrap it in a cloth or towel. 

Compression helps with swelling. You can wear compression socks to improve blood circulation and reduce blood clots. You should also elevate your leg above the level of your heart. Place a pillow under your calf or ankle instead of your knee for proper elevation.

Conclusion

Knee pain can significantly reduce mobility and even affect the quality of life. Activities that the average person takes for granted, like walking, exercising, or climbing stairs, can feel herculean when taken on by someone whose knees ache. That’s why we recommend post-surgical rehabilitation at Summit Physical Therapy. Reach out to us today with your concerns.