Speed up your recovery
We have reviewed the most important aspects of recovery after knee replacement surgery throughout this article. But let us briefly bring to the table the most critical recovery tips and recommendations mentioned above and a few others that will help speed up your recovery:
- Learn to manage your pain: It does not mean living through the pain. It means you need to understand the difference between discomfort and pain. Remember that we all have different pain thresholds, and you’re not supposed to live with pain. Quite the opposite, because this is a warning sign, as noted above. Learn to describe your pain accurately, differentiate the sensation from others, and identify whether it is intermittent, tingling, sharp, or burning. This skill will be very helpful throughout your recovery.
- Don’t be afraid of walking: The soonest you walk, your recovery will be faster. So, don’t be afraid to get yourself walking as soon as possible. Remember that your doctor has previous experience and will only give you clearance when you are ready to do it. So, as soon as he instructs, get back on your feet and start walking. Doing so will improve circulation, prevent blood clot formation, and help you strengthen your limbs. Of course, not being afraid is different from being reckless. Walking aids are important during the first stages of your recovery, and you should always move carefully as instructed by your doctor.
- Follow physical therapy and give your best efforts: Physical therapy can sometimes be tiring, but it is necessary. It is one of the most critical aspects of your recovery after knee replacement surgery. So, don’t take it lightly. Follow the instructions to the letter and collaborate with your physical therapist for better results.
- Exercise: Your physical therapist will guide you through a series of home exercises you can do during this time. When he gives you clearance to exercise with a stationary bike or in a fitness center, doing so will help a lot. Exercising improves the outcome of physical therapy and helps the muscle tissue recover more quickly. If you experience any type of pain during exercise sessions, discontinue immediately and talk to your physical therapist or doctor about it.
- Rest: This is also an essential step to recovery. Your muscle tissue needs to rest, and that is how the tissue grows back. During the first phase of your recovery, you will need to keep your knee elevated and rest almost all day long. Try to find ways to entertain yourself during this time to avoid feeling uneasy.
References:
Isaac, D., Falode, T., Liu, P., I’Anson, H., Dillow, K., & Gill, P. (2005). Accelerated rehabilitation after total knee replacement. The knee, 12(5), 346-350.
Han, A. S., Nairn, L., Harmer, A. R., Crosbie, J., March, L., Parker, D., … & Fransen, M. (2015). Early rehabilitation after total knee replacement surgery: a multicenter, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial comparing a home exercise program with usual outpatient care. Arthritis care & research, 67(2), 196-202.
Shakespeare, D., & Kinzel, V. (2005). Rehabilitation after total knee replacement: time to go home?. The Knee, 12(3), 185-189.
