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What to Expect After a Knee Replacement

You may be wondering whether physical therapy after knee replacement surgery is necessary. The answer is yes, especially since it can help decrease pain and increase mobility. And because the goal is to get people back to their normal selves as soon as possible—standing, walking and bending—doctors will want their knee replacement patients to start rehabilitation in Brampton immediately after surgery. You will be put in contact with a physical therapist after you are released from the hospital (or even before you go into surgery), at which time you need to pay them a visit. In some cases, to get the ball rolling a physical therapist will begin therapy right there in your hospital room.

If you are preparing for knee surgery, then you need to know the importance of rehabilitation in Brampton and what to expect after receiving a knee replacement.

What to know about physical therapy for your knee

To figure out your needs, your physical therapist will perform an evaluation at your first physical therapy appointment. They will also share any important information with you and likely pre-schedule future sessions. A part of your evaluation involves discussing precautions and limitations, as well as asking about the pain you’re having, the location of the pain and checking for swelling. Next, they’ll check knee movement, look at how it bends and observe your gait to determine if your assistive device is working for you.

But your recovery doesn’t end after each appointment. Before leaving the office or hospital facility, your physical therapist will work with you to create an effective treatment plan and recommend the best course of action for home exercise. Physical therapy should start immediately following a knee replacement, and the reality is that it may last for several months or more after you’ve had the surgery.

Another thing is that, while you have been informed about the benefits of physical therapy after knee replacement surgery, you should also consider starting physical therapy before getting surgery—this is sometimes called “pre-hab.” Choosing to go through with pre-hab not only helps your body prepare for your surgery, but also helps encourage faster recovery after surgery.

Why physical therapy after knee replacement surgery is important

Although you will want to rest your knee after surgery, you shouldn’t remain sedentary for too long. By not working the knee soon after surgery, you run the risk of not fully healing, or recovery time could take much longer than expected. Keep in mind that the purpose of physical therapy following knee replacement surgery is to get you back on your feet so you will be able to return to your normal activities.

Some of the goals of physical therapy include improved mobility, increased strength, decreased stiffness and pain and improved range of motion, all of which can be accomplished with the assistance of a trained physical therapist.

For more information about rehabilitation in Brampton after knee replacement surgery, contact the team at Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic. We are here to help!

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