Physiotherapy after knee replacement plays a critical role in achieving recovery and restoring optimal knee function. Post knee replacement exercises help in strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving tissue flexibility, improving balance and stability, relieving pain, and restoring full knee motion.
Let’s learn more about the importance of physiotherapy after changing the knee joint and how it is done with Dr. Bajad Hisham (Lecturer and Consultant of Orthopedics, Joints and Endoscopy – Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Fellow of the Royal College of Orthopedics and Traumatology)
Read Also : عملية تغيير مفصل الركبة في مصر
The importance of physiotherapy after knee joint replacement
Exercises after knee replacement surgery play a big role in the speedy recovery process. Where it helps:
- Restore normal movement of the knee without feeling pain.
- Restore knee strength, improve balance and stability.
- Reduce the risk of new trips and injuries.
- Avoid any complications such as blood clots or joint stiffness.
- Back to normal life and full recovery in a short time.
That is why exercises are an essential part of the treatment program, and you will find that most doctors recommend practicing them immediately after knee replacement surgery.
Case assessment and treatment program design
The first step in physiotherapy after replacing the knee joint is to evaluate the condition. We must pay great attention to this step, because it has a great role in developing a treatment program capable of achieving the task of rapid recovery.
Physiotherapy begins with evaluating the individual condition of the patient after changing the knee joint, where the strength of movement and stability, loss of sensitivity and control of the joint in general are analyzed.
Based on this evaluation, the physiotherapist designs an individualized program aimed at restoring and improving the motor functions of the knee.
Types of exercises after knee replacement surgery
Many exercises are recommended to be practiced after a knee joint replacement operation, but it must be clarified that not all exercises after a knee joint replacement operation are suitable for all individuals, which explains the importance of consulting the attending physician before starting the exercises. Let us remind you of the most important physical therapy exercises after a joint replacement. knee.
Exercises immediately after the operation
In the first post-operative phase, exercises aim to improve mobility and increase blood flow to the damaged area. These exercises include flexing and extending the foot, moving the joint gently and regularly, and massaging the muscles around the knee. These exercises should be performed under the supervision of the medical team and according to the specific instructions.
Strength and endurance exercises
Strength and endurance exercises include strengthening the muscles around the knee, such as the thigh, calf, and buttocks. Appropriate weights and proper techniques are used to achieve increased endurance and strength without causing excessive stress on the new joint.
These exercises can include exercises for the outer and inner muscles of the thigh, such as contractions and extensions, and strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee.
Balance and stability exercises
Balance and stabilization exercises aim to enhance knee stability and strengthen the muscles responsible for stability and balance. This includes standing on one leg and balancing on an unstable surface.
Movement and flexibility exercises
Mobility and flexibility exercises aim to restore full range of motion of the knee and improve the flexibility of the surrounding tissues. These exercises include progressive knee extension and flexion, as well as other flexibility exercises for the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee.
Daily activities and functional exercises
Doing daily activities correctly is an essential part of physical therapy after changing the knee joint, where the physiotherapist directs the patient to the correct way to carry out daily activities, in addition to prescribing a set of exercises that must be adhered to as a lifestyle after that, which maintains the mechanism of functioning of the new joint for as long as possible.
The most popular exercises after knee replacement surgery
Here is a group of the most popular exercises that can help you restore the strength and movement of the knee joint, but you must consult your doctor before practicing them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcKjCDs4yuY
Advice after knee replacement surgery
The physiotherapist’s advice includes instructing the patient on the use of walkers and crutches if needed, maintaining a healthy weight, proper heating and cooling of the knee, and avoiding high-impact sports and activities that place stress on the new joint.
With the consultation of the treating medical team and adherence to the physiotherapy program after knee replacement, the patient can regain his motor functions after knee replacement and return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Thus, we have provided you with adequate answers to your questions about exercises after knee replacement surgery, its importance and its different stages. If you underwent knee joint replacement surgery, do not hesitate to start physical therapy sessions, because it will make a clear difference in recovery and return to normal life.
You can follow our various articles to learn more about the process of arthroscopic knee joint replacement with Dr. Bajad Hisham (teacher and consultant of orthopedics, joints and laparoscopic surgery – Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, fellow of the Royal College of Orthopedics and Traumatology) and for more inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
When does physical therapy begin after knee replacement surgery?
The doctor can begin to advise walking and do physiotherapy exercises on the first day after the operation.
When does walking start after installing the knee joint?
With the use of modern techniques such as arthroscopy in performing knee replacement surgery, it became possible for the patient to be able to stand and move only 12 hours after the completion of the operation.
إقرا ايضا : دكتور عظام في اكتوبر
