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CAS - Knee Replacement
| Knee replacement surgery is
a complex procedure, and physical knee rehabilitation is crucial to a
full recovery. In order for you to meet the goals of total knee surgery,
you must take ownership of the rehabilitation process and work
diligently on your own, as well as with your physical therapist, to
achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The knee rehabilitation
process following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful at
times.
Dr. Bowers will assign a specific protocol to you, based on your rehabilitation needs.
The following protocol is meant only to give you an idea of the kind of
exercises you might do during rehabilitation. When in doubt about an
exercise, follow the protocol outlined by Dr. Bowers.
Early rehabilitation
Your knee rehabilitation program begins in the hospital after surgery.
Early goals of knee rehabilitation in the hospital are to reduce knee
stiffness and maximize post-operative range of motion as well as to help
you get ready for discharge. The following steps may be taken to help
maximize your range of motion following surgery. |
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Strict adherence to the CPM protocol.
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Early physical therapy (day 1 or 2) to begin
range of motion exercises and walking program.
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Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression
stocking, and elevation).
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Adequate pain control so you can tolerate
the rehabilitation regimen.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
Your outpatient knee rehabilitation program will consist of a variety of
exercises designed to help you regain range of motion in the knee and
build strength in the muscles which support the knee. You will follow an
advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated. A
stationery cycle and walking program will be used to help increase range
of motion and stamina, and an aquatic therapy program may be added as
well.
At Home
There are several things you can do at home to make your knee
rehabilitation more successful. First of all, do the home exercise
program as prescribed by your physical therapist. Next, follow these
suggestions for daily activities:
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Sitting: Use a chair with arms to help you rise to a standing position.
Avoid sitting for longer than an hour if possible. If you must sit for a
longer time, elevate the foot to avoid swelling.
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Walking: Do not put weight through the joint
until you've been cleared to do so by your surgeon.
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Lifting: Do not lift more than ten pounds.
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Showering: Showering is preferable to bathing
because of difficulties getting in and out of the tub.
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Exercising: Do the exercises that were recommended
by your doctor and physical therapist. Go to physical therapy
as prescribed and get advice from your therapist as to whether
you're doing the exercises correctly.
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Getting into a car and driving: Get into a car by sitting on the edge of
the seat, then pulling in the legs and turning to face forward. Driving
is usually not recommended for the first six weeks post-op. Talk with
your surgeon about driving sooner.
Long-term rehabilitation goals
Once you've completed your knee rehabilitation therapy, you can expect a
range of motion from 100-120 degrees of knee flexion, mild or no pain
with walking or other functional activities, and independence with all
activities of daily living.
Back to CAS Knee Replacement
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3/24/2007
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