Individuals may need to undergo knee replacement surgery for various reasons. The knees rely on ligaments and muscles for stability, so they are prone to muscle damage or injuries.
Healing can take quite some time after a knee replacement surgery. Thankfully, physical therapy can significantly help you gain back your vigor and energy. Learn how physical therapy helps heal the body and speeds up post-knee surgery recovery by reading the article below!
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery is done to remove damaged ligaments in the knee joint. In contrast to total knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions in this procedure. They will replace a few parts of the knee—those which are most damaged. Implants replace the affected parts while preserving the rest of the knee.
Your orthopedic doctor will likely suggest knee replacement surgery if your knee pain:
- Gets in the way of your daily activities.
- Has not been recovering or healing.
The most common medical condition that contributes to knee pain is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the result of damage to the cartilage surrounding the knee area. Aside from pain, OA patients also commonly have a limited range of motion.
Physical Therapy for Recovery
A partial knee replacement surgery may seem like a daunting procedure. While it does come with its fair share of risks, this type of knee replacement surgery is relatively safe.
To help you recover after your knee surgery, employ the expertise of a physical therapist. Overall, physical therapy aims to relieve you of post-surgical joint pain and quickly regain mobility and flexibility in your knees. A physical therapist will help restore physical function to your knee through
- Light exercises.
- Assistive devices.
- And training.
Physical Therapy After the Surgery
After the knee replacement surgery, you can expect to get back on your feet with an assistive device. Your physical therapist may do a gait analysis to assess your capacity to walk on your own. Then, your physician will prescribe a walker or crutch, depending on your condition. Don’t worry because the physical therapist will teach you how to use your assistive device properly.
In the rare chance, you need to stay in the hospital after a partial knee replacement surgery, your physical therapist can teach you some basic knee exercises. Doing these properly and regularly will help you regain lost range of motion.
Physical Therapy at Home
Once you get discharged, your physical therapist will show you some exercises you can do at home. These movements are designed to improve your knee flexibility and movement. Usually, they will recommend that you avoid high-intensity exercises or sports that stress your new joint. You may not be allowed to run or jog until your physical therapist deems you fit enough.
Doctors usually prescribe physical therapy as a necessary post-surgery treatment. You can ask your surgeon for recommendations on the best physical therapist near your location.
Recovery From Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Individuals who underwent partial knee replacement surgery do better compared to those who had a total knee replacement. That may be because the former is less invasive. Patients of partial knee replacement also report that their knee feels natural.
Because it is only a partial knee replacement, you can expect to recover at a much faster rate—within 4-6 weeks. Everyone’s condition is different. Thus, rehabilitation time may vary due to specific circumstances.
To have a quick recovery, be sure to reach out to a physical therapist. Under their guidance, the muscles surrounding your knee will be rehabilitated. Once they are, you will regain your mobility. With an excellent physical therapy plan, your knee will continue to improve over several months.
You will have to approach strenuous activities that may put some stress on your knee joints with caution from now on. Most importantly, follow your physical therapist’s instructions and stop exercising if you feel any pain. They may also recommend you refrain from driving until it is safe to do so.
Best Orthopedic Care in Pembroke Pines, Florida
The best decision you can make is an informed one. For more details on the benefits of physical therapy for partial knee replacement surgery, contact a trusted orthopedic surgeon near you!
If you’re still typing in ‘knee replacement surgery near me,’ your search is over. Here at Total Orthopaedic Care, we provide the best care and service tailor-fit to your medical conditions. You can rely on our professional advice for all things related to the musculoskeletal system.
Call us today at (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment online. We look forward to getting you back on your feet in no time!
