Advanced Practice Physiotherapist at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Ryan Pope, shares recommendations for getting the most out of your recovery after a Total Knee Replacement. To help enhance recovery after a knee replacement, think about:
- Early mobilisation
- Pain control
- Controlling swelling
- Manage expectations
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Gradually increasing activity levels
Early Mobilisation
You will be encouraged to begin moving your knee and walking as soon as possible after surgery. Getting out of bed and mobilising after your knee replacement has been shown to improve the recovery process and minimise post operative complications.
Pain control
Pain is commonly experienced following a total knee replacement. It is important to ensure this pain is well controlled to enable your recovery. Patients will often stop taking pain relief too quickly and this can then impact their ability to exercise and participate in physiotherapy. Pain at night which affects your sleep is common and very few people are sleeping through the night at 6 weeks after surgery.
Control Swelling
A certain amount of swelling in your knee is quite normal after a knee replacement. In the first few weeks following surgery the goal is to try to control the amount of swelling in your knee. This can be done with regular movement of your knee and ankle, elevating your leg and applying ice wrapped in tea towel. Your physiotherapist will advise you on this further.
Manage Expectations
Following surgery you may feel tired and emotional as your body uses more energy to heal itself. It may take a little while to regain your full confidence following a knee replacement. Don’t be too hard on yourself about this and try not compare yourself to other people who have had a similar surgery. Everyone is individual and will recover at different rates. The full benefit of a knee replacement may take 6-12 months so be kind to yourself in the first few months after surgery.
Rehabilitation
After a knee replacement you will be provided with exercises by your physiotherapist to help with the movement and strength of your knee.
- Knee range of movement - Following surgery you will need to perform exercises to improve the movement of your knee. It is important to work on the bending and straightening of your knee. When resting or laying in bed it is advised not to put a pillow under your knee as this can make straightening your knee more difficult.
- Knee strengthening - It is important to perform these exercises regularly to aid recovery. Muscle strength requires 3-6 months of consistent exercise so you should continue to perform your exercise programme for 12 months after your procedure.
Gradually Increase Activity Levels
Following surgery you should gradually increase your walking and physical activity levels. You may feel more tired than normal. You will start walking short distances with the aid of a frame or crutches. The aim is to gradually increase the distance you can walk. Maintain your daily routine by getting up at normal time and getting dressed. If you get tired you can rest later in the day.
