- How is physiotherapy after knee arthroplasty
- 1. Physiotherapy in the hospital
- 2. Physiotherapy in the clinic or home
Recovery after total knee arthroplasty is usually rapid, but it varies from person to person and the type of surgery performed.
The surgeon may recommend taking analgesics to relieve pain discomfort following surgery, and in the first 2 weeks after surgery, some steps must be followed, such as:
- 3 days without putting your foot on the floor, walking with the help of crutches; Apply ice, usually 20 minutes, 3 times a day, for 7 days to reduce pain and swelling; Bend and extend your knee several times a day, respecting the pain limit.
After 7 to 10 days, the surgical stitches should be removed.
How is physiotherapy after knee arthroplasty
Knee rehabilitation should still start in the hospital, but it may take about 2 months for complete recovery. Here are some treatment options.
1. Physiotherapy in the hospital
Physiotherapy should be started as soon as possible and can start right after the operation, as it helps to recover knee mobility and reduce swelling, in addition to preventing thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
The entire rehabilitation process must be personally indicated by a physical therapist, respecting the individual needs of the person, but some guidelines for what can be done are indicated below.
On the same day of surgery:
- Just lie flat with your knee straight, if you have no drain you can already lie on your side, with a pillow between your legs for greater comfort and positioning of the spine; You can place an ice pack on the operated knee, for 15 to 20 minutes, every 2 hours. If the knee is bandaged, ice should be applied for a longer period of time, with ice for up to 40 minutes, a maximum of 6 times a day.
The day after surgery:
- An ice pack can be placed on the operated knee for 15 to 20 minutes, every 2 hours. If the knee is bandaged, ice should be applied for a longer time, up to 40 minutes with ice, at most 6 times a day; Ankle mobility exercises; Isometric exercises for the thighs; One can stand and support the foot of the leg operated on the floor, but without putting the weight of the body on the leg; one can sit and get out of bed.
On the 3rd day after surgery:
- Maintain isometric exercises for the thighs; Exercises to bend and stretch the leg while still in bed, and also sitting; Start training using the walker or crutches.
After these 3 days, the person is usually discharged from the hospital and can continue physiotherapy in a clinic or at home.
2. Physiotherapy in the clinic or home
After discharge, the physiotherapy treatment must be personally indicated by the physiotherapist who will accompany the person, according to his assessment, he must indicate what can be done to improve leg movement, be able to walk, go up and down stairs and return usual daily activities. However, this treatment can be done with, for example:
- Exercise bike for 15 to 20 minutes; TENS electrotherapy for pain relief, and Russian current to strengthen the thigh muscles; Joint mobilization by the physiotherapist; Exercises to bend and stretch the knee performed with the help of the therapist; Mobilization exercises, contract and relax with the help of the therapist; Stretches for the legs; Exercises to strengthen the abdomen to help balance and maintain good posture; Stand on top of a balance board or bosu.
After approximately 1 month of physical therapy, the person should be able to support all the weight of the body on the operated leg, walking without limping or fear of falling. Staying on one foot and crouching on one foot should only be achieved after the 2nd month or so.
In this phase, the exercises can become more intense by placing weights and you can start training to get up and down stairs, for example. After a few weeks, some exercises that may be useful will be to change direction when climbing stairs, or even climbing stairs on the side, for example.
Physiotherapy should not be exactly the same for two people who have had the same type of surgery, because there are factors that interfere with recovery, such as age, sex, physical capacity and emotional state. So, the best thing is to trust the physiotherapist you have and follow his advice for faster rehabilitation.
