Had a Knee Replacement? Get Physical Therapy to Recover Faster

If you just had a knee replacement, it will take time for you to recover and get back to normal. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help the recovery process go a little faster for you. One of these things is physical therapy, which your doctor will likely suggest. Below is more information about this so you will know what to expect. 

Physical Therapy

Your doctor can suggest the physical therapist you should visit. The doctor will decide how long you will need physical therapy and how many days per week. The physical therapist will likely speak with your doctor before they start your therapy. This is because they need to make sure they do not do any therapy that may harm you instead of helping you recover. The doctor and your physical therapist will come up with the best treatment plan for you. 

Starting Your Physical Therapy

The physical therapist will likely start your therapy while you are still at the hospital. They will teach you the proper way to get in and out of bed. You will be using an aid to help you walk, such as crutches, a cane, a walker, etc. The physical therapist can help you learn how to use a walker or crutches if this is what you choose. The therapist will have you move your leg and knee to help increase blood flow to your feet and legs. This will help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. The therapist will ask you to walk throughout the day to help prevent your knee muscles from tightening up too much. 

Physical Therapist Office

During physical therapy, the physical therapist will teach you how to do several exercises to strengthen your knee muscles. This can include leg lifts, using ankle pumps, straight leg raises, and much more. The physical therapist will also give you exercises you need to do at home. They may ask you to use equipment, such as a stationary bicycle or walker. 

The main goal of a physical therapist is to help you regain range of motion in your knee. By the time you are finished, you may be walking on your own, or may not need to use an aid as much to help you throughout the day. This will depend on many things, such as your age, type of surgery you have, and your health. 

The physical therapist you choose will go into all of this information with you in much more detail.