A knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that comes with a great deal of healing and assistance from friends and family. Getting a sufficient amount of rest and sleep after surgery is essential in the recovery process, but in our experience many patients have more questions and concerns about what their post-op experience will be like.
Every patient has a different healing process based on their body and how they react to the surgery, but a few factors remain the same across the board. Based on patient questions, concerns, and average healing times, we’ve compiled information that you can use to plan for your post-up recovery.
Early Stages
Rehabilitation after a knee replacement within 24 hours after the procedure, and includes the following:
With the help of a physical therapist, you’ll begin getting adjusted to the knee replacement, moving around, and completing various exercises to build up strength. Getting used to the artificial knee as soon as possible is essential in getting you back on your normal routine.
As part of your getting around post-op, you’ll need to adjust to using a walker to assist you with walking and other movements.
You will also be instructed to take a few different medications to numb pain and regulate healing. Taking these medications as directed is important in ensuring they work correctly.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your home is prepared for your return after surgery to minimize your risk of falling as you heal.
After being discharged from the hospital, you will slowly adjust to the artificial knee. Completing daily tasks will be easier and you will start to use a walking device less and less with each passing day. It’s also important to continue with your recommended physical therapy schedule and keep in contact with your orthopaedic surgeon about any concerns.
Long Term
Approximately four to six weeks after the surgery is the start of the long-term recovery process. Physical therapy is still needed, but it will become less frequent as the months move along.
It’s important to note that it’s normal for swelling to occur around the knee for up to six months after surgery. However you should be able to complete tasks like driving, walking around for extended periods of time, and working around the house. It’s still important to avoid high impact activities like jogging, tennis, and contact sports until told otherwise by a doctor.
During this time, you will also visit with your orthopaedic surgeon as needed so they can keep tabs on your progress and let you know when you may be ready for different activities.
All in all, it can take up to one year to be fully recovered from a knee replacement procedure. Physical therapy, rest, sticking to your medications, and keeping positive will help your knee replacement recovery process progress smoothly.
To help you on the road to recovery, the team at Advanced Surgical Hospital can assist in answering your questions and providing advice during the process. For more information on Advanced Surgical Hospital, knee replacement surgery, post-op exercises, physical therapy, and our other services, contact us today.
