As stated by Concierge In-Home Physical Therapy Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery may be recommended for those with knee arthritis in order to reduce discomfort, regain joint functionality, and enhance range of motion.
However, patients shouldn’t anticipate that after the procedure they will have a brand-new joint that is immediately usable and totally functional.
Instead, a 12-week physical therapy-based rehabilitation program is usually done after TKR surgery.
This procedure enables your body to adapt to the replacement and aids in your recovery of a complete range of motion so that you can finally pick up your active lifestyle again.
What to anticipate from physical therapy along the journey is listed below.
Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery
After surgery, the artificial knee may feel uncomfortable or stiff.
With the intention of bringing you home to complete your treatment in an inpatient or outpatient physical therapy facility, rehab initially focuses on recovering joint mobility and strength.
AFTER OPINION
A physical therapist will assist you in standing up and using a mobility aid, such as a walker, cane, or pair of crutches, within 24 hours following surgery.
Over the next few days, an occupational therapist will be around to help you with showering and using the restroom.
Exercises can strengthen your knee in these early phases, lower your risk of problems, and increase your mobility in a hospital setting:
You’ll practise getting in and out of bed, sitting beside the bed, and moving to a nearby toilet or bathroom.
With the aid of an assistive device, you’ll first take a few steps around your room before moving on to a hallway.
Expect to perform additional walking workouts using parallel bars or a walker in between.
To lower the risk of clotting and deep vein thrombosis, additional exercises emphasize enhancing blood flow to your legs and feet.
As you recuperate, occupational therapy sessions teach you how to bathe, dress, and use the bathroom, including making various adaptations.
A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine can be applied to a joint by a therapist to help with mobility, stiffness, and scar tissue formation.
You should be discharged home to continue your treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting once you can bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, stand and walk with little help, and climb stairs.
The sort of knee replacement you have and your recovery support system will determine when you can go home.
Patients should plan on staying at least one night.
