How to Recover from a Total Knee Replacement

With the help of Moore Physical Therapy, knee replacement surgery improves lives.

An impending total knee replacement surgery can seem overwhelming, with many questions occupying the mind: who needs knee replacement surgery, how long recovery will take, why physical therapy is imperative to proper recovery, and what can be done at home. The better you understand the process, the less anxiety you will feel.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Though it is not the only cause, people who suffer from osteoarthritis are common candidates for knee replacement surgery. This condition causes pain and stiffness of the joints as the cartilage and bone begin to deteriorate, and the resulting inflexibility and extreme discomfort can lead to the necessity of an artificial knee.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

The recovery period is different for each person and depends on individual circumstances. Generally, once the surgery is complete and the artificial joint has been placed, rehabilitation starts within two days, beginning in the hospital with a walker or crutches to support your body weight and keep stress off the knee. This therapy continues as you move from the hospital to our outpatient facility, where our physical therapists prepare a series of exercises and stretches to facilitate your daily activities. You can expect to be in physical therapy for two months or more, depending on your specific needs.

Why Is Physical Therapy Imperative to Proper Recovery?

Only with the experience and specialized training of a physical therapist will you be able to properly and fully recover from a total knee replacement. Our physical therapists have the necessary equipment and know-how to safely guide you through a series of healing and strengthening routines, help you plan the safest way to complete daily tasks like bathing or navigating stairs, and direct your increasing exercise load to protect you from over-exertion.

Can Anything Be Done at Home?

Our physical therapists are equipped to teach a recovering knee replacement patient how to continue recovering at home: assessing in-home risks, advising on safety procedures, and teaching stretches and exercises that let you continue strengthening the muscles around your new knee. You will learn how to safely resume and enjoy ordinary life without knee pain.