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The Role of Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement Surgery

Physical therapy after knee replacement surgery is a crucial part of your recovery. It’s recommended to knee replacement patients for faster healing, both physically and mentally, but for the best results, treatment should begin immediately after surgery. This is because recovery can take several months.

To get patients back to a normal active life, physical therapists will follow a timeline for the rehabilitation process after knee surgery. Here’s what Brampton physical therapy clinics want you to know about the role of physical therapy after knee replacement:

  • Days 1 and 2: Your rehabilitation begins right after surgery. Within the first 24 hours, your doctor will have you up and walking with the help of an assistive device and working with a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will get you started on exercises that are geared toward strengthening your muscles, as well as show you how to safely use a walker, cane or crutches. On the second day, you may only be able to walk for short periods with your assistive device, like to and from the bathroom. If using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, you will continue using it.
  • Hospital discharge: The more you move your new knee, the stronger it will get. The doctor may adjust your painkiller dosage, and by this time you should be able to take longer walks, climb some stairs and move to the toilet or a chair without help from other people or assistive devices. Before being discharged, the doctor hopes you can bend your knee to a 90-degree angle, walk with minimal assistance and bathe and dress yourself.
  • Week 3: Whether you are at home or in a rehab facility, within the next three weeks you should be able to move around, be less dependent on an assistive device and not be in too much pain. As you continue doing the exercises outlined by your physical therapist, you should notice your daily activities getting easier and knee pain easing up.
  • Weeks 4, 5 and 6: Your physical therapist will help you set a few goals to reach by week 6, including maintaining an exercise routine, working to reduce inflammation and swelling in the new knee and improving your range of motion. You’ll be closer to returning to your everyday activities!
  • Weeks 7 to 11: The role of physical therapy after knee replacement surgery is most crucial during these weeks. Since you should now be able to drive and perform tasks at home, your therapist may modify your exercises as your knee improves and your mobility increases.
  • Week 12 and after: If all has gone well with your physical therapy, then your pain has decreased significantly and you should feel nearly back to normal and be doing your regular everyday activities. However, stay away from high impact activities, and don’t stop physical therapy. By week 13, the pain should be nonexistent. Keep in touch with your therapist and go in for regular checkups.

When searching for local Brampton physical therapy clinics after knee replacement surgery, call Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic and speak with one of our friendly medical professionals!

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