Physical therapists play a vital role throughout both before and after knee replacement
Are you looking for physical therapy after knee replacement in Visalia? If so, this information below might help. We summarize why seeing a physical therapist pre and post knee replacement is a good idea.
Your knees take on a great deal of impact, especially if you’re actively involved in sports that consist of lots of running, jumping and/or cutting. As a result, the knee is one of the most commonly injured regions of the body, and the most commonly replaced joint. If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, it’s important to realize that physical therapy is a crucial part of the entire process.
Knee replacement surgery—or total knee arthroplasty—is a very popular procedure, but deciding to have it performed should only come after all other options have been unsuccessful. Almost all sources of knee pain should be treated conservatively (non-surgically) first with physical therapy and certain lifestyle modifications. If knee pain continues to be bothersome after attempting various types of conservative treatment, patients should evaluate the option of surgery with their physical therapist and an orthopedic surgeon.
If you’re found to be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will explain the procedure itself, as well as the preparation and recovery process that will come with it. Physical therapy is integral at all stages, and your physical therapist can help ensure that the surgery is successful by providing evaluation and treatment before and after the procedure.
Before Surgery
- Your physical therapist will teach you a number of exercises and show you how to walk with an assistive device (e.g. cane or crutches) after the procedure
- They will also discuss important precautions and adaptations to make at home
Immediately After Surgery
- Most patients will stay in the hospital for 2-3 days following surgery, and rehab typically begins almost immediately after waking up: your physical therapist will attempt to have you standing up and walking around within 24 hours
- Your physical therapist will help you with the process of walking with an assistive device again and begin some range of motion exercises
After Being Discharged From Hospital
- This is when the bulk of your rehabilitation will begin with a program that includes range of motion and strengthening exercises, and body awareness and balance training
- As you gradually regain your physical capacity and motion, you will start an active recovery process that includes exercises that help will help improve activities of daily living
The benefits of physical therapy after total knee replacement surgery are frequently identified in related research, and in one recent study, it was found to reduce the amount of time patients spent in the hospital after their procedure. The conclusion states:
After total knee replacement, there is low-level evidence that accelerated physical therapy regimens can reduce acute hospital length of stay.
Making the decision to have surgery for your knee pain is a difficult one, and with it, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to ensure a positive outcome and quick return to the things you love. Physical therapy before and after this procedure is one of the best ways to increase the chances of a successful recovery, and this is why we strongly encourage you to contact us for a consultation if you’re considering knee replacement surgery.
