Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the weight bearing surface of the knee is replaced to relieve pain and disability. Total knee replacement rehabilitation provides a complete surgery care and recovery program for such patients. The exercises that are taught in knee injury rehabilitation are different than exercises that are done by patients after knee replacement.

Importance of total knee replacement rehabilitation

Patients going through knee replacement surgery need a holistic rehab program that guides them to come back to normal life. The post surgery rehab programs provide the patient with a complete care and recovery package.

Total knee replacement rehab is important as

• It provides complete care and assistance pre and post surgery
• Promotes faster recovery
• Provides therapy for, after surgery pain and ailments
• Guides patients for a better and healthy future

Importance of exercise total knee replacement rehabilitation

Patients are soon able to resume normal day to day activities after surgery. Knee replacement rehabilitation provides them guidance and exercise regime to follow. Knee rehab exercises play a vital role in the recovery and healing of the patient's knee.

Facilities and features provided in total knee replacement rehabilitation

• Exercises followed in total knee replacement rehabilitation

  1. Standing knee bends: The patient is asked to stand up with the help of a walker, and lift the thigh while bending the knee as much as he can. The position is kept for 5 to 10 seconds and released to relax later.

  2. Advanced knee bends: Lying on the back, the patient is asked to bend his knee 45 degrees. A rolled up towel is placed over the ankle and the patient had to hold each end. The towel is gently pulled to increase the angle of bend. The patient had to hold it for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat several times.

  3. Resistance knee exercise: Using light weights, the above exercise with the weights wrapped around the ankle is prescribed by the physiotherapist. Resistance exercises are started within 4 to 6 weeks after the knee replacement surgery depending upon the condition of the patient.

  4. Cycling: The patient is asked to exercise slowly on a stationary bike. Cycling helps in the overall development of the knee and surrounding muscles.

  5. Other knee rehab exercises performed after knee replacement surgery
     • Quadriceps sets
     • Straight leg rises
     • Ankle pumps
     • Knee straightening exercises
     • Bed support knee bends
     • Sitting support knee bends
     • Sitting unsupported knee bends
  
  

• Pain management

  Knee replacement rehabilitation provides effective relief from pain after knee surgery. Although pain after surgery is variable and not entirely predictable it is controlled by proper management and medications by knee replacement rehabilitation programs.

• Therapy

  A therapist will constantly monitor the patient's development and recovery. He may also provide massages and movement techniques of the knee and the leg to ensure fast recovery. Therapy is available to both in-patient and out-patient rehab.

• Post rehab instructions and precautions

  Various types of client specific exercise schemes are prepared for the patient to follow after rehab period. Instructions are given to patients regarding driving, sexual activity, sleeping and walking positions, etc. They are guided by the doctors and therapists so that they take precautions that will ensure that they do not have problems in the long run.

Total knee replacement surgery is a step taken by patient for gaining a better pain free tomorrow. Total knee replacement rehabilitation programs help patients take that step efficiently and conveniently. But changes do not happen overnight and active participation of the patient is required in the rehab process to enhance fast and complete recovery.