Rehabilitation Post Knee Replacement
Knee replacements are a revolutionary surgical procedure that creates a second chance for those suffering from severe joint damage, often due to arthritis or injury.
In order to reduce pain and improve quality of life, the operation aims to replace the knee joint with a prosthesis. Due to the significant and serious mobility limitations caused by joint wear and tear, this surgery is more common among older adults.
The recovery process following knee replacement surgery is approached differently at Physiowell. At our clinic, we provide a clear path that includes not only physical recovery but also your overall well-being by integrating orthopedics and chiropractic solutions.
Our chiropractors are dedicated to neurophysiological improvement, contributing to faster and less painful healing processes.
This fusion allows for a more holistic rehabilitation approach. Patients not only receive care for the injured knee but also for the rest of their body, which may have been affected by stresses and imbalances, due to the pre-operative condition and healing process.
Physiowell Clinic specialists work together to ensure that each patient receives a customized treatment plan, considering their specific needs, medical history, and recovery goals.
What is Post-knee Replacement Rehabilitation?
After knee replacement surgery, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in determining the long-term success of the operation. This process is ongoing for several months, beginning immediately after surgery till full recovery, which sometimes takes up to a year. This all depends on the complexity of each individual case and the patient’s general health condition.
Rehabilitation has three main objectives: restoring muscle strength, improving mobility, and ensuring the correct functioning of the prosthesis.
After the surgery, physical therapists begin with light exercises to prevent stiffness and improve blood flow. Exercises increase in intensity as the patient’s condition gets better, with a target to strengthen the knee muscles in order to support the new joint.
Furthermore, it is essential that the patient learns to walk correctly with the prosthesis.
In the early stages, this could involve using assistive devices such as crutches or a walker, with a gradual shift to more independent walking. Rehabilitation also includes patient education regarding prosthesis care and methods of avoiding activities that might endanger the newly implanted joints.
Rehabilitation Phases
Acute Phase (1-3 Weeks)
Immediately after surgery, the primary goal is pain management and inflammation control. It is normal to experience some degree of pain and swelling post-surgery. To deal with these challenges, the medical team may prescribe pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, depending on each individual case, as well as recommend applying ice to the operated area to reduce swelling.
Early mobilization is equally crucial at this stage.
Light exercises, such as plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, help promote blood circulation and prevent joint stiffness. Although these movements may be minimal, these exercises have a significant impact on reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Patients may also be told to begin walking using aids, such as crutches or a walker, which help promote early mobility.
Improvement Phase (3-12 Weeks)
This phase focuses on gradually increasing the intensity of the exercises.
As pain subsides and inflammation is reduced. Patients may start doing more challenging exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding their knees. Improving knee strength and stability are essential for a quicker and more complete recovery.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in this phase.
Under the guidance of physical therapists, patients perform a series of exercises designed to improve knee mobility and strength. These include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and specific activities to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Activities like walking on flat surfaces, going up and down the stairs and balance exercises can be introduced during this phase.
Maintenance Phase (over 12 Weeks)
This phase begins approximately three months post-surgery.
Patients continue with the exercises learned in previous phases, with a focus on long-term strength and mobility preservation. This is an essential phase to guarantee that the effects of rehabilitation will last a lifetime.
Regular checkups are critical to track your rehabilitation progress and ensure that everything is going according to plan. Your doctor evaluates your knee motion, muscle strength, and overall function and adjusts your treatment plan if needed. Transparency is key, that’s why patients should discuss any concerns or challenges they may be experiencing in their daily lives or during any physical activity.
During all these phases, Physiowell integrates its unique approach, combining orthopedics and chiropractic, providing patients with comprehensive support, ensuring that every step of their rehabilitation is carefully designed and executed. This unique method not only speeds up recovery, but also ensures more satisfying results on the long run.
Physiowell Integrated Approach: Orthopedics and Chiropractic
The Physiowell Center combines chiropractic and orthopedics in an innovative and integrated approach.
The fusion of disciplines allows our ability to address pathological issues, such as arthrosis and traumatic injuries, as well as dysfunctional issues that may affect the patient’s quality of life.
Orthopedics
Orthopedics focuses on the treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Intervening in the initial phase of knee replacement recovery, while guiding the patient through the surgical healing process. Physiowell works closely with orthopedists to ensure that the patient’s prosthesis is functional and well-integrated, offering personalized treatments based on each individual’s condition.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic, on the other hand, focuses on optimizing nervous and musculoskeletal system health through manual techniques, primarily spinal manipulation.
This aspect of treatment is crucial to ensure the body is properly aligned, and to relieve any tension or pain after surgery. Chiropractic sessions help improve posture and mobility: the two key elements to effective recovery and preventing future complications.YOU CAN ALSO READ 5 Precautions to Prevent Knee Pain
Advantages of the Integrated Approach
Quick and Complete Recovery
The integration of orthopedics and chiropractic speeds up the recovery process.
While orthopedics focuses on the physical healing of the operated joint, chiropractic helps rebalance the body, reducing the risk of compensations that can lead to new injuries.
This method reduces the recovery period and enables patients to resume their regular activities faster.
Improved Functionality
In addition to physical recovery, Physiowell aims to improve patients’ balance and coordination. Through chiropractic sessions, patients learn to better control their body’s movements, thus increasing safety during daily activities and sports. This aspect of treatment is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more susceptible to falls and injuries.
Physiowell’s integrated approach offers a complete rehabilitation path, which is not limited to mere physical healing but extends to the overall improvement of bodily functions and the prevention of further complications.
This method, based on the collaboration between different medical disciplines, represents a cutting-edge model in the field of post-operative rehabilitation.
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