Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery
Rehabilitation is an integral part of knee replacement recovery. It is actually one of the most important steps toward your goal because it helps your body get used to the implant and its functions. Your muscles need to connect with each other, and the nervous system in a completely new way, and the transition is not immediate. So, rehabilitation is a must, and it is up to you to give your best during rehabilitation and follow the instructions to the letter.
The rehabilitation protocol is different depending on how many weeks passed after knee replacement surgery. After the procedure, this is what to expect from rehabilitation, and this is what you can do to contribute to your recovery:
Day 1 and 2:
During the first two days after the procedure, you will use something known as a continuous passive motion machine. This is a very useful device that straightens and bends your knee very slowly, getting the articulation prepared for rehabilitation.
During this period, your doctor may need your help to set up the machine, and you want to answer their questions as accurately as possible. After using this machine, it comes a moment when your physical therapist will ask you to sit up in your bed, stand, and walk with a wheeled walker or a standard walker. Even if it seems challenging at first, you want to follow their advice to get you moving as soon as possible.
Your doctor and therapist may also recommend simple exercises such as squeezing the buttons or pumping the ankles. It may seem too simple, and some patients could even forget to do these exercises. But set a timer or figure out a way to remember to do as instructed. These exercises are important to stop blood from pooling and creating blood clots in your veins.
