Prepare For Success Before Your Total Knee Replacement Surgery
While it’s not an easy fix, a total knee replacement can be the start of a new chapter for those who experience knee pain that just won’t quit. It is normal to feel some nerves and anxiety before a big surgery, but being prepared will help you manage those feelings so your recovery can go smoothly. Fortunately, the team at Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic has extensive experience preparing clients for surgery so they can tackle recovery with strength and confidence.
Knowing what to expect can make recovery concerns fade away.
Preparing for Recovery from Total Knee Replacement Surgery
After injuring her knee and still running for exercise, our client had severe wear and tear in her knee that just wasn’t responding to non-surgical treatments. The word “surgery” filled her with anxiety, but she knew total knee replacement surgery held the most hope for getting her back on the running trail. After an initial assessment of her medical history and existing physical condition, we created a plan to achieve her goals both before and after surgery.
We began prehabilitation sessions – a proactive program of targeted exercises designed to optimize a patient’s physical condition before surgery – to reduce the risk of complications and speed up the recovery process after the procedure. We focused on strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint, reducing/eliminating any swelling, and improving her range of motion. Throughout these sessions, we talked about what she could expect from recovery, like the anticipated timeline for appointments and the progression of exercises.
Following knee replacement surgery, we focused on several key areas in her physical therapy sessions.
Key Focuses of Knee Replacement Recovery
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Restoring range of motion
- Strengthening muscles that surround and support the knee
- Improving balance and gait
In the beginning, we focused on training to ensure a successful return to daily activities like safely navigating around the home and walking in the community. As her body healed and she gained strength and ability, her exercises began to center around fitness and cardiovascular health.
Recovery Success with Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic
After surgery, your body needs time to heal and regain strength. You might experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility in the initial days or weeks. Depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, your healthcare team will provide specific post-operative instructions, like wound care and activity restrictions.
Our team will work with you on a variety of recovery and rehabilitation elements to help alleviate your pain and build strength from the inside out.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Recovery with Physical Therapy
Managing Pain
- Through manual techniques, swelling control, and modalities such as heat and cold therapy, our physical therapists help alleviate post-operative pain for a smoother recovery process.
Regaining Range of Motion
- We will also prioritize restoring your joint’s range of motion so you can resume your ability to perform daily tasks independently.
Improving Strength
- Swelling following surgery and immobility before or after surgery can impair muscle function. Physical therapy utilizes targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the surgical site and above and below the surgery site to ensure overall functional capacity.
Enhancing Function
- Whether it’s balancing and coordination or simply walking without limitations or compensations, physical therapy aims to optimize your movement patterns and functional abilities to facilitate a comfortable transition back to your normal routine and beyond.
Pre and post-operative physical therapy can help take the stress and anxiety out of the surgical process. By knowing what to expect, you’ll set yourself up for success with a positive mindset and physical strength to recover faster than you thought possible.
Contact us today to learn how we can work together to ensure you’re prepared to get the most out of your total knee replacement surgery.
