Role of Physiotherapy during the Rehabilitation after Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is an excellent procedure for people suffering from extreme knee pain or loss of function because of diseases like arthritis or injuries. The success of the knee replacement surgery, however, depends not only on the procedure but also on how the patient recovers post-surgery. Recovery ensures that the knee works as intended and mobility is completely regained. This is where physical therapy comes in handy as part of the recovery process.

Why Physical Therapy is Critical After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery removes the damaged parts of the knee joint and replaces them with prosthetic components. Although the surgery itself can help alleviate pain and restore basic function, it cannot ensure full recovery without proper rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process is crucial to speed up recovery, restore joint movement, and prevent complications such as stiffness or muscle weakness.

The primary goal of physical therapy following knee replacement is to

Restoring Range of Motion: Restoration of full range of motion in the knee is one of the main objectives of rehabilitation. Swelling, muscle stiffness, or scar tissue can limit mobility. The physical therapist uses specific exercises to improve flexibility and joint movement.

Strengthen Muscles Around the Knee: Generally, after knee replacement surgery, the muscles around the knee may weaken either through disuse or due to trauma from surgery. Supporting the knee joint is quite dependent on these muscles’ strength, stability, and ability to prevent falls.

Reduce Swelling and Pain: Swelling and pain are common after surgery. A physical therapist can use manual techniques, ice, and specific exercises to reduce inflammation and manage discomfort, helping patients regain their independence faster.

Improves walking and functioning: The end point for a knee replacement is usually returning to normal functioning for a patient. Physiotherapy improves gait, balance, and mobility skills which are so necessary in doing daily activities like standing, walking, or even climbing stairs.

What To Expect from Post-Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
Typically, physical therapy begins within the first few days after knee replacement surgery. Initially, the focus of the therapist is on gentle exercises that promote healing without too much strain on the knee joint. Over time, as the patient’s strength and mobility improve, the exercises become more challenging to help restore function.

Early-Stage Therapy (Weeks 1–4)
The first few weeks are focused on minimizing the pain and swelling, avoiding complications, and ensuring the restoration of basic movements around the knee. Examples of exercises during this phase are:

Ankle Pumps: This exercise will be done to enhance the blood circulation and prevent clots.
Quad Sets: Activation of the quadriceps is important for knee functioning; hence, it must be done.
Heel and Toe Raises: These exercises start the strengthening of the muscles surrounding the knee and enhancing its range of motion.
Knee Bends: Gentle bending exercises to improve flexibility in the knee joint.
During this phase, your therapist will likely use modalities like heat or ice to manage pain and swelling.

Mid-Stage Therapy (Weeks 4–8)
Once the initial healing has occurred, the focus shifts to improving strength and stability in the knee joint. The physical therapist will increase the intensity of exercises and may include activities like:

Leg lifts: To strengthen muscles around the knee.
Step-ups: This will enable one to increase strength within the leg muscles, which include quadriceps and hamstrings.
Stationary biking: This improves joint motion, does not put much strain on the knee.
Weight-bearing exercises: These improve balance in a person and enable that person to stand and walk unaided.
At this point, the patient will also be walking with a cane or crutches and the therapist will make sure that the gait is proper and that posture is maintained.

Final-Stage Therapy (Months 2–6)
At this final stage of rehabilitation, the patient is assisted in returning to daily life activities and, depending on the injury, return to low-impact sports or exercises. Some exercises may include:
Squats and Lunges: These will help the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
Balance and Stability Conditioning: Utilizing balance boards, or other equipment available for enhancing coordination and overall postures.
Stretch and Flexibility Exercises: Provided in order to ensure total motion of the knee.
Usually, as the progression progresses, the physical therapy treatments are done less and less frequently, but an essential part of the self-practice is to achieve excellent recovery.

The Involvement of a Competent Physiotherapist
A very important aspect of rehabilitation is working with a trained physical therapist who understands the nuances of recovery after knee replacement. A good therapist will tailor the program of recovery to your specific needs, abilities, and progress. They will also monitor your response to exercise, making sure that the knee is not pushed too hard during the recovery process.

In Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Helios Orthojoint is one of the best orthopedic clinics that offers personalized care and rehabilitation programs for patients after knee replacement surgery. Since Dr. Saurabh Giri is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the region, he and his team always work closely with physical therapists to ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Summary
Physical therapy is an essential component of post-knee replacement surgery recovery. It helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, strengthen muscles, and return to normal activities faster. The expertise of a skilled physical therapist ensures that each patient’s recovery program is tailored to their specific needs, optimizing the chances of a successful outcome.

If you are undergoing knee replacement surgery in Pimple Saudagar, Pune, or surrounding areas, Helios Orthojoint provides top-notch rehabilitation services to complement the surgery performed by Dr. Saurabh Giri, one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the region. Post-surgery rehabilitation can significantly enhance the quality of life and restore full function to your knee, so don’t underestimate the value of physical therapy in your recovery process.