Knee tends to be the most common joint to be replaced in the human body. People are advised Knee Replacement surgery if, either arthritis, bone diseases and some fracture has deteriorated the joint or if alignment problems have started hindering daily activities like walking, sitting and standing.
Post Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy techniques after Knee Replacement Surgery help you to heal and resume your routine activities faster. Physical Therapist provides you with rehabilitation services during and after hospitalization.
While you are in the hospital after surgery, a physical therapist will :
•Educate you about practice walking with help of a walker or crutches
•Guide you regarding getting in and out of a chair or bed safely
•May employ electrical stimulation to decrease pain and swelling
•Administer isometric exercises to prevent blood clotting and to enhance blood circulation.
After you are discharged, your physical therapist will execute a customized treatment plan including various progressive exercises catering to your specific needs and goals as well :
•Motion Exercises : Pain and swelling can impede the progress of your replaced joint. Physical Therapists, to regain your motion, make you learn exercises that will enhance blood circulation and reduce swelling and as well prevent blood clotting. Below listed exercises may be performed to heighten the range of motion:
1.Ankle Pumps
2.Knee Bending
3.Heel Slides
4.Knee Straightening Stretch
•Strengthening Exercises : These exercises strengthen the otherwise weakened muscles of thigh and lower leg. Physical Therapists administer these exercises to strengthen your muscles and to stabilize knee joint. Following exercises are performed to revitalize your muscles :
1.Lying Kicks
2.Quadriceps Sets
3.Straight Leg Lifts
4. Exercycling
•Balance Training: Specific balance training exercises are taught and performed to help patients to gain gait stability. These exercises are administered when you become able to put full weight and pressure on your replaced knee. These may include :
1.Leg Slides
2.Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends
3.Knee Exercises with Resistance
•Functional Training: Physical Therapists forward this training when you become capable to walk freely without feeling any pain or strain. This program is executed to heighten your activity level. They may include following exercises in your schedule :
1.Stair Climbing and Descending
2.Prolonged Knee Stretch
3.Standing Knee Bends
4.Community based actions viz. Crossing a busy street, Getting on and off escalator
Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for your successful recovery after Knee Replacement and to get back to your feet as soon as possible. We develop a customized treatment plan after collaborating with your consulting surgeon and will help you to rehabilitate quickly.