Surgery for knee pain, like hip replacement, is a procedure that had been performed by surgeons for many years. Though invasive procedures of any kind are always risky endeavours, modern technology and surgical techniques have ensured better and longer-lasting knee repairs. There are more procedures being done today, as well.
In 2014, there were more than 46,800 incidents of total knee replacement surgeries in Australia, with the number expected to rise in the coming years. Though a worrying trend in terms of overall health, the yearly increase in the volume of procedures shows that healthcare facilities are able to provide responsive solutions to orthopedic problems.
Patients scheduled to undergo knee surgery should plan for the procedure and for the aftercare associated with recovery periods. Below are a few ways that patients can anticipate surgery and get their treatment to work more efficiently.
Speak with your surgeon about the length of time you will need to be on medical leave from work. Account for rehabilitation requirements, post-operation restrictions, exercises you must avoid, and how long you must refrain from performing them, and other related matters.
Make sure you have a good idea of your timeline so that you can schedule your physiotherapy as soon as possible. It would be good to discuss your personal goals with both your surgeon and the prospective therapist. If you are an avid marathon runner, for example, your recovery plan will be vastly different from someone who rides a bike to work.
Your habits before surgery will inform your results. When you practice good form when moving, exercise regularly, and refrain from stressing your joints excessively, you will pave the way for a faster recovery post-surgery.
It is normal to have a swollen and painful knee after the surgery. Some of this will be caused by post-operative edema, which are the fluids that collect in the interstitial spaces of tissue. Help the swelling recede by using a cold compress on the affected area, keeping it elevated, and wrapping it in compression bandages.
You can also do light exercises that will help keep your body stable and your joints in place. During pain or swelling, quadriceps tend to undergo reflex inhibition. That means it can ‘turn off,’ which leads to rapid weakening of thigh muscles and the eventual weakening of kneecaps. This can be remedied by performing a range of motion and strengthening exercises.
One exercise you can perform can be done while lying on your back. From a neutral position, with your knees slightly bent, tighten your front thigh muscles and press your leg so that the back of the knee is the closest it can get to the ground. Hold the position for three to five seconds and relax. Repeat this ten times, and you have a set. Try to do three to four sets a day.
Seeing a physio shortly after joint surgery is ideal. Anywhere from seven to ten days after a procedure will be enough for them to observe how your knee is healing and recommend a program for your recovery. Work on your at-home exercises for the first week.
Rehabilitation sessions will include exercises for joint mobilisation, as well as some massages for your tissues. They may also address strengthening your hip and core muscles to support the recovery of your operated knee. Treatment may then progress to dynamic movements like lunges, especially for athletes trying to get back on track.
Preparing for knee surgery requires some effort on the patient’s part to maintain at-home exercise routines. These will help ease the joints from pre- through post-operative milestones.
For physiotherapy in Brisbane, get in touch with our team at Anytime Physio today.