Pain and stiffness in your knee can make simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs or even getting out of a chair challenging. If you’ve been battling knee pain for a while, you may be facing a total knee replacement surgery. If this surgery is in your future, you may be wondering what you can expect during your recovery process. A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee joint are replaced with an artificial joint. This artificial joint is called a prosthesis and can be made of metal, plastic and other durable, medical-grade materials. The goal of a total knee replacement surgery is to help relieve pain, improve knee function and regain independence.
How long is recovery from a total knee replacement surgery?
The knee is the most commonly replaced joint in the body, and everyone’s recovery journey from a total knee replacement is different. However, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind. Immediately following your surgery, you’ll likely spend a few days in the hospital. However, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Your recovery process begins right after you wake up from surgery. Before you go home, you’ll work with a physical therapist to stand and walk using an assistive device, such as:
A walker
Crutches
A cane
Your physical therapist will also show you how to safely get in and out of bed using the assistive device. They may also instruct you on exercises you’ll do at home and get you started with a physical therapy treatment plan.
The first few weeks after knee replacement surgery are crucial for healing. You’ll likely experience some pain and swelling, which is normal and should gradually improve. Many people can begin to put weight on their knee within a few weeks and walk without assistance within six weeks. However, it can take up to a full year to fully recover from surgery and return to most of your normal activities.
Patience is key during total knee replacement surgery recovery. You may be eager to jump back into your active lifestyle, but it’s essential to listen to your body and follow the advice of your doctor and physical therapist. Rushing your recovery process can cause you to experience unnecessary setbacks.
Possible complications of total knee replacement surgery can include infection and blood clots. Warning signs of infection include:
Persistent fever higher than 100 degrees
Chilling
Increasing redness, tenderness or swelling around the wound
Increasing pain despite rest
Draining coming from the wound
Warning signs of a blood clot include:
Unrelated pain in the leg or calf
Tenderness or redness above or below the knee
Swelling increase in the calf, ankle or foot
If you experience any of these warning signs of infection or blood clot, it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention.
Physical therapy after a total knee replacement surgery
You’ll likely begin working with a physical therapist shortly after you wake up from surgery and continue treatment for up to 12 weeks. Some people may require physical therapy sessions beyond 12 weeks. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your recovery progress. They will use techniques that can help with:
Pain management
Range-of-motion restoration
Muscle strengthening
Flexibility improvement
Techniques your physical therapist may use in your total knee replacement treatment plan include:
Soft tissue mobilization — Your physical therapist may use their hands to do specific manual therapy techniques to manipulate the soft tissue around your knee, including your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Soft tissue mobilization involves techniques such as kneading, stretching and friction to help release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain and stiffness. Soft tissue mobilization can also help break down scar tissue that may have formed after your surgery.
Joint mobilization — Your physical therapist may use joint mobilization, which involves specific, controlled movements to move your knee joint in different directions. This technique can help restore your normal range of motion, reduce stiffness and improve your overall knee function.
Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique where your physical therapist uses specialized stainless steel instruments to apply gentle pressure and friction to the affected area around your knee replacement. This technique can help break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow, which can promote healing.
Myofascial release — Your physical therapist may use myofascial release, which involves applying gentle pressure and stretching to the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds the muscles. By addressing restrictions in your fascia, myofascial release can help release tension, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation is a technique that can be used to manage pain. Your physical therapist will place electrodes on the skin around your knee. These electrodes help deliver mild electrical currents, which can help reduce pain, muscle spasms and inflammation that can happen during total knee replacement recovery. Electrical stimulation may also help strengthen the muscles around your knee.
Aquatic therapy — The buoyancy of the water in aquatic therapy can help reduce weight-bearing stress on your newly replaced knee joint. Exercises done during aquatic therapy can help increase your range of motion and reduce your pain while also helping to strengthen your muscles. Another benefit of aquatic therapy is that it can also boost your cardiovascular fitness.
Range-of-motion exercises — Your physical therapist will guide you through specific exercises designed to gradually increase the movement of your knee joint in all directions. These exercises, which can help prevent stiffness, improve flexibility and restore your normal knee function, may be started while you are still in the hospital.
Strengthening exercises — Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises to target the muscles around your knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. Building strength in your muscles is essential for stability, support and reducing stress on your knee joint. Each day that your strength improves, the better you can regain your ability to do daily activities.
Balance exercises — Your physical therapist will also incorporate exercises intended to challenge your balance and coordination to help improve your stability and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises may involve standing on one leg, using a balance board or doing exercises on unstable surfaces. By improving balance, you can regain confidence in your ability to move safely as you recover.
Walking and gait training — Your physical therapist will also work with you to improve your walking pattern, endurance and overall mobility. This may involve using assistive devices, gait training and practicing walking on different surfaces. Working on your walking pattern can help you walk with more confidence, less pain and better endurance.
Every knee and recovery journey is different, and your physical therapy treatment plan will be tailored just for you based on your unique needs and goals. These tools and techniques are just a few examples of the building blocks to help you regain a strong and healthy knee.
Ways to boost recovery after a total knee replacement surgery
While the healing process after a total knee replacement takes time, there are some strategies you can use to help optimize your recovery:
Follow medical advice.
Go to physical therapy.
Use pain management.
Eat a balanced diet.
Get adequate sleep and rest.
Keep your leg elevated.
Avoid overexertion.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Attend follow-up appointments.
KC Rehab is here to help you on your recovery journey from a total knee replacement
Recovering from a total knee replacement is a big step toward a better quality of life, and our KC Rehab team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey. From understanding the initial postoperative period to helping you achieve your long-term recovery goals, our experienced team of physical therapists is here to provide you with compassionate and comprehensive care. Our personalized treatment plans can help address pain management, range of motion, strength building, balance improvement and gait training. We believe in empowering our patients through education support to help them regain their confidence and independence. By combining skilled physical therapy with your commitment, we can work together to optimize your recovery and help you return to the activities you love.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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