Do ask for assistance in the weeks following your knee replacement surgery
Recovery and rehabilitation after knee surgery
Return to activities you love!
Following your knee replacement surgery, your surgeon may decide that physical therapy is right for you, in which case specialized personnel will manage your recovery by defining the most suitable rehabilitation program for you. They will work with you throughout the gradual recovery process to help you regain knee mobility and increase your quality of life.
Knee replacement recovery
Knee replacement recovery time may be different for each person and vary according to individual condition and surgeon protocol.
Temporary knee replacement pain is a natural part of the healing process. Do not be overly concerned if this happens, as your body is adjusting to your new knee prosthesis.
Different types of medication are available to assist with knee pain relief during your knee replacement recovery. Your surgeon will work with you to choose the best option for short-term knee pain relief, which may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Knee replacement rehabilitation
Knee replacement rehabilitation, or knee replacement rehab, can be started as soon as the day of the operation, subject to your surgeon’s approval. If needed a physical therapist will provide you with specialized knee rehabilitation exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement so you may resume walking and other daily activities.
The Patient Optimized Pathway (POP) digital application can enhance your knee replacement rehabilitation with personalized support, timely reminders, and constant connection to your care team. Recovering from knee replacement will be up to you!
When returning home after surgery, promote healing by continuing to take your medications and exercising as recommended by your medical team. Most people can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks after their total knee replacement surgery18.
When fully recovered, the majority of individuals who have joint replacement surgery experience a reduction in joint pain and an improvement in their ability to participate in daily activities19.
Realistic activities following knee replacement surgery may include walking, biking, swimmingand other low impact activities20.
Knee replacement rehabilitation: Dos and Don'ts
Your commitment to your recovery plays a key role in the success of your knee surgery. Proper in-home care following total knee replacement is an important part of knee rehabilitation and healing.
Do get lots of rest and do your assigned exercises
Do contact your medical team if you have any questions or concerns
Don’t overdo your assigned knee rehab exercises
Do not make sudden movements
Do not play sports
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The information contained here is intended for reference only and does not represent or constitute medical advice or a recommendation. Each patient must be examined and advised individually by a physician, and this information does not replace the need for such examination and/or advice in whole or in part. Results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all patients. Results may vary due to health status, weight, activity, and other variables. Not all patients are candidates for this product and/or procedure. The appropriate postoperative activities and pain management will differ from patient to patient. Talk to your doctor about your condition and about whether the presented procedure is appropriate for you, considering the risks associated. All content is protected by copyright, trademarks and/or other intellectual property rights of Medacta and cannot be used without the written consent of Medacta. In good faith, Medacta asserts that this material does not infringe or misappropriate any intellectual property rights of any third party.
References
18) Marecek GS, Schafer MF. Driving after orthopaedic surgery. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(11):696-706
19) AAOS. Before and after total joint replacement. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/before-and-after-total-joint-replacement-video/. Accessed 12 November 2018
20) Rocco Papalia, Angelo Del Buono, Biagio Zampogna, Nicola Maffulli, Vincenzo Denaro; Sport activity following joint arthroplasty: a systematic review, British Medical Bulletin, Volume 101, Issue 1, 1 March 2012, Pages 81–103, https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldr009.