Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, and patient satisfaction rates are typically extremely high. Knee replacement surgery significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life, but it’s not just the surgeon who impacts the success of a knee replacement surgery. The patient’s commitment to a post-operative rehabilitation therapy program plays a crucial role in the outcome. If you or a loved one are planning to undergo knee replacement surgery, the quality of your rehab program can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know about knee replacement rehab.
Knee replacement rehab starts at the hospital
Although it may come as a surprise, knee replacement rehab begins within a day or two of surgery. Pain and swelling control, the use of assistive devices, and slow, simple movements such as sitting up in bed are all part of a rehabilitation program aimed at getting patients back on their feet as soon as possible. Physical and occupational therapists provide mobilization assistance and exercises right away in order to aid in the healing process and prevent blood clots and other complications. The sooner the patient begins to bear some weight on the new knee, the higher the chance of a successful outcome.
The knee replacement rehab therapy plan
After discharge from the hospital, patients should be able to get in and out of bed independently, dress and bathe, walk at least 25 feet, bend the knee to 90°, and navigate the stairs with crutches or a walker. When this is not the case, the patient may need to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility after discharge and prior to returning home. Whether at home or in a rehab facility, the real work of knee replacement rehab begins after hospital discharge. While the specific exercises and recovery time may vary, treatment plans generally include a similar slate of exercises designed to:
Increase range of motion
Improve strength
Restore balance
Restore normal gait
Manage scar tissue
Improve functioning in daily activities
Early post-op exercises and activities may include:
Quad squeezes - to strengthen the muscles around the knee
Straight leg raises - to strengthen thighs and hips
Ankle pumps - to maintain strength in lower leg, improve circulation, and prevent blood clots
Knee extensions - to improve knee flexibility and strengthen quads
Heel slides - to engage quads and glutes
Walking - to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling
Stair-climbing - to improve circulation and prevent scar tissue from building up
As strength and range of motion returns, new exercises will be added to the care plan, which may include:
Hip abductions - to strengthen hips
Leg balances - to improve balance
Bicycling on a stationary bike - to increase range of motion
Step-ups - to improve balance and strength
Gait-training - to restore a normal gait
Every patient has a customized therapy plan designed by their team of doctors and therapists, but in general, patients will start off slowly with exercises, eventually adding resistance and increasing the duration. A strong physical therapy program after knee rehab should involve 20 to 30 minutes of exercise 2 or 3 times per day, and 30 minutes of walking 2 or 3 times per day. A commitment to the plan created by the medical care team is the surest way to recovery and a return to independence.
Benefits of knee replacement rehab
Knee replacement surgery requires significant time for recovery. It is a long-term process, but sticking with it is worth the results. Here’s some of what you can expect if you participate fully in your recovery:
Enhanced mobility
Improved blood circulation
Reduced or eliminated pain
Improved muscle function
Improved balance
Strengthened core
Although a full recovery does not happen overnight, there are milestones along the way that can boost motivation to see it all the way through. These will be different for each person, but a typical knee replacement recovery with full participation in rehab may involve the following milestones:
By week 3: Walking and standing for 10 minutes or more with minimal use of assistive device
By week 6: A return to work (a desk job). Ability to do everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning
By week 10: Participation in recreational bicycling, swimming, and walking
By week 12: Play golf. Dance. Return to higher impact activities
It’s important not to push yourself too far too soon because if you reinjure yourself, it could set your recovery back even further. The more closely you adhere to the therapy plan designed for you, the sooner you’ll be able to return to the activities you enjoy.
Knee replacement rehabilitation at Bella Vista Health Care Center in San Diego
Not everyone is ready to return home after they’ve been discharged from the hospital following knee replacement surgery. This may be because they live alone, live in a multi-level home, or have not otherwise reached a sufficient level of independence. At Bella Vista Health Center, we provide inpatient rehabilitation in our 5-star skilled nursing facility in order to help ensure a safe transition between hospital and home. Every knee replacement patient receives a customized rehabilitation therapy plan designed to help them recover quickly and return to all their favorite activities as soon as possible.
We offer short- and long-term physical therapy programs as well as essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care from a compassionate staff committed to providing a nurturing environment for all residents. For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at (619) 644-1000.
