Knee Replacement:
There are lots of questions in the patient's mind to ask after the knee replacement such as, What is the anticipated recovery time? or when can I return to my job? Or when am I able to start driving? Etc. There is no definitive way to predict how quickly a patient will respond, which is the answer to these queries. There is no way to predict what difficulties he will encounter, but generally speaking, most patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are expected to return to work 6 to 12 weeks after the procedure.
Bed rest is discouraged after knee replacement surgery and they are encouraged to maintain as much activity as possible. The goal of knee replacement surgery is undoubtedly to keep patients active by reducing their pain, and a crucial component of that is their rehabilitation, which aids in helping them achieve an ideal range of motion, muscle tone, strength, and overall level of fitness so that they can lead active lives. Stiffness and loss of joint range of motion are two major hazards following the replacement. Your physiotherapist creates an exercise regimen to assist the patient in reducing these risks.
The following simple exercises for knee replacement patients can be performed with little effort and with ease:
Ankle pumps:
On your back, resting on the bed. Maintaining straight knees, bend one ankle as far up and down as you can, then switch to the other leg.
Knee press:
Maintain straight legs as you sit on the bed. Keep a towel roll under your ankle and press down by tightening the muscles in your thigh. Ten seconds into the hold, let go and repeat with the other leg.
Heel slides:
You should place your foot on the bed's surface with your knees bent and slowly slide your heel toward your buttock before returning to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg.
Straight leg raise:
Your healthy leg should be bent and your foot should be flat on the ground as you lie on your back. Tighten your thigh and elevate your affected leg up to 30 degrees while keeping the knee straight. Continue with the opposite leg.
Sitting knee extension:
Place a chair in front of you while you are seated on another chair, place your affected foot on the vacant chair, straighten the knee, and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg.
Side-lying abduction:
while laying one side on the healthy leg, Lift the operated leg up to 30 degrees then lower it back to the starting position. repeat with the other leg.
Knee bending:
Lye on your stomach, and bend your affected knee. You can also put overpressure on the affected knee with your healthy side leg. your goal is to touch your buttock with your heel.
Hip bending:
Holding onto a stable surface while standing, lift your knee by bending it at the hip and knee, then pull it up toward your shoulder. Repeat with the other affected leg.
Hip abduction:
While standing hold any supportive surface, and lift your operated side leg sideways.
Hip extension:
Hold onto a firm surface while standing, then move your operated leg backward while keeping your knee straight. Repeat with your healthy leg.
Heel raises:
Lift both heels off the ground while standing and holding onto a stable surface. Hold for ten seconds, after which you should slowly return to your starting position.
The patient uses a walker at first, then a cane. By the third week, strength, endurance, and range of motion improved. The next two weeks following a knee replacement are likely the most difficult. Always adhere to the specific guidelines provided by your surgeon or physiotherapist before returning to work. For a customized rehabilitation program visit our clinic.