Knee-ding’ a little TLC? The Importance of Knee Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement!
Total knee replacement surgery is a common procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with severe knee arthritis. While the surgery itself is important, postoperative rehabilitation is also crucial for restoring the range of motion, strength, and function of the knee joint. In this blog, we will explore the latest scientific evidence supporting the importance of knee rehabilitation after total knee replacement and provide exercise options to help you recover.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Knee Rehabilitation after Total Knee Replacement
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of postoperative rehabilitation after total knee replacement surgery. It has been found that preoperative and postoperative exercise programs lead to significant improvements in knee function, range of motion, and muscle strength compared to no exercise programs. Patients who participate in a rehabilitation program after total knee replacement also have better outcomes in terms of pain, function, and quality of life compared to those who do not.
In addition, rehabilitation programs can help prevent complications such as stiffness, blood clots, and infections. It has also been seen that patients who participate in a rehabilitation program after total joint replacement were less likely to develop complications and more likely to return to their preoperative level of function than those who did not participate in such a program.
Exercises for Knee Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement
Knee rehabilitation after total knee replacement typically involves a combination of range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and functional exercises. Here are some examples:
Range of Motion Exercises:
Range of motion exercises help improve the flexibility of the knee joint. Examples include:
Heel slides
Lie on your back with your legs straight. Slide your heel towards your buttocks, bending your knee as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly slide your heel back to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.
Terminal knee extension: Sit on a bench or bed with your knee bent. Place a rolled towel under your knee. Straighten your knee and lift your heel off the bench. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower your heel back to the towel roll. Repeat 10-15 times.
Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening exercises help build the muscles around the knee joint. Examples include:
Straight leg raises: Sit on a bench or lie on your back with your legs straight. Lift one leg off the floor, keeping your knee straight. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower your leg back down. Repeat 10-15 times on each leg.
Wall Squats
Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down the wall, bending your knees until they are at a 90-degree angle. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly slide back up. Repeat 10-15 times.
Functional Exercises:
Functional exercises are designed to improve the ability of the knee joint to perform everyday activities. These exercises include:
Step-ups: Stand in front of a step or stair. Step up onto the step with one foot, then step back down. Repeat 6-10 times on each leg.
Lunges: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a large step forward with one foot, bending your knee until your thigh is parallel to the floor then push off your front foot to return to the starting position. Repeat 6-10 times on each leg.
Balance exercises: Stand on one foot and hold for 30 seconds. Make sure you are close to support.
Safety Tips for Knee Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement
While knee rehabilitation is important for postoperative recovery, it is essential to follow safety precautions to avoid re-injury. Here are some safety tips to consider:
Consult with your doctor and physical therapist before starting any exercise program.
Begin with gentle exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your knee heals.
Avoid overexertion and stop exercising if you experience prolonged pain, swelling, or discomfort.
Iceing your knee after exercising may help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Use assistive devices such as crutches or a walker, if necessary.
Knee rehabilitation after total knee replacement is important for restoring knee function and improving quality of life. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation programs can lead to significant improvements in knee range of motion, strength, and function. A combination of range of motion, strengthening, and functional exercises can help promote recovery. However, it is important to follow safety precautions. By working with your healthcare team and following a personalized rehabilitation program, you can achieve a successful recovery and return to your daily activities
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