Just had a knee replacement? Benefits of Physiotherapy

So, you've recently had knee replacement surgery, and now you're wondering what's next for your recovery journey. You may have been discharged home with a booklet with exercises, some crutches and temporary equipment but is this enough? Do you know the best time to progress off your crutches and what exercises to do to ensure your gait pattern improves beyond your pre-operative function? The Rehab Team’s monthly blog discusses some of these questions, our local Papamoa and Tauranga-based physiotherapists are here to help.

Getting started with physiotherapy soon after your knee arthroplasty surgery offers a bunch of fantastic benefits. This includes individualised rehab to ensure improvements in strength, knee range of movement and your walking pattern as well as returning to those tasks you used to enjoy. The Rehab Team, a Papamoa and Tauranga physiotherapy service, knows just how crucial the post-surgery phase is.

Managing your pain levels:

After a knee replacement, post-operative pain and discomfort are common. Early physiotherapy can help manage pain effectively alongside pain medication recommended to you on hospital discharge or by your GP. Through gentle range of movement, ice therapy and promoting circulation, our Papamoa-based physio’s or our in-home physiotherapists can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and facilitate the healing process. The Rehab Team’s in-home physiotherapy service can be a great option to get you started with your rehab once you have been discharged from hospital.

Getting back your Range of Motion:

Knee arthroplasty surgery aims to restore the function and mobility of the knee joint. The goal of initial physio rehab following a knee replacement is to be able to regain knee bend to at least 90 degrees and to be able to straighten your knee completely. It is also important to NOT rest your knee on a pillow to ensure you regain the range. The Rehab Team’s physiotherapy team provides early physiotherapy to help restore and improve range of motion in the knee, enabling our clients to regain their ability to perform daily activities with ease.

Strengthening:

Following knee replacement surgery, the surrounding muscles and tissues may have weakened or become deconditioned due to reduced mobility in the lead up to your surgery. Post-operatively, the initial swelling surrounding your knee also impacts the ability of your muscles to activate. This can make normal functional movements such as lifting your leg into bed, standing up and sitting down or going up or down stairs difficult. Our Physio’s in Papamoa and Tauranga often guide and progress individualised physiotherapy programmes to strengthen the muscles around your knee. Focussing on specific muscle strengh is important in returning to a normal gait pattern without the need for a walker, crutches or a stick.

Improved Balance and Stability:

Maintaining balance and stability is essential to prevent falls and enhance mobility. The Rehab Team’s in-home and Papamoa physiotherapy team often include balance training exercises that challenge the patient's proprioception and help improve stability following a knee replacement. These exercises are often added to your programme later in the rehab process and aim to reduce the risk of future falls and get your back to activities and hobbies you were enjoying prior to your surgery.

Faster Recovery and Return to Daily Activities:

Early physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery accelerates the overall recovery process and facilitates a quicker return to daily activities. Our physiotherapy treatment plans take into account our clients specific needs and goals, enabling them to regain functionality and independence as soon as possible. By gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises, physiotherapy promotes a faster return to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Early physiotherapy plays a key role in optimising the outcomes of knee replacement surgery. The Rehab Team’s experienced physios are able to provide in-home physiotherapy appointments until you are able to return to driving (and beyond this if it is easier for you!)  At this point, our Papamoa Clinic is a handy option to continue your post-op rehab.  Early physio input after knee arthroplasty assists with pain management, increasing range of motion, muscle strengthening, improved balance and faster recovery. 

Feel free to contact The Rehab Team to arrange an appointment following your knee replacement if you are located in Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga or surrounding areas. We are here to help!

Want to know more?

Have a look at The Rehab Team's other blogs.