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Your surgeon and physiotherapist will assess when you’re safe to go home, depending on your progress and how much support you’ll need at home (both in terms of equipment and personal help). No. 2-6 weeks post-op
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- Overview
- Day 1
- The first week
- By week 3
- Weeks 4 to 6
- Weeks 7 to 11
- Week 12
- Week 13 and beyond
- Frequently asked questions
- Takeaway
Rehabilitation after knee surgery typically lasts about 12 weeks. But many people can walk without an assistive device after 3 weeks and drive after 4–6 weeks.
After total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, recovery and rehabilitation can help you get back on your feet and return to an active lifestyle. Each surgeon may have different protocols, and each person’s recovery is unique. This article outlines a general recovery timeline.
The 12 weeks following surgery are important for recovery and rehab. Committing to a plan and encouraging yourself to do as much as possible daily will help you heal faster from surgery and improve your chances of long-term success.
Read on to learn what to expect during the 12 weeks after TKR surgery and how to set goals for your healing.
Rehabilitation begins right after you wake up from surgery.
Some people have a total knee replacement as an outpatient procedure. This means they leave the hospital soon after the surgery, on the same day.
Some people may have this procedure as an inpatient procedure and stay in the hospital for a portion of their recovery.
After either inpatient or outpatient surgery, a physical therapist (PT) typically helps you stand and walk using an assistive device. Assistive devices include:
•walkers
•crutches
Your daily routine will include the exercises your PT has provided to improve your mobility and range of motion.
Your exercise plan at this stage may focus on:
•gait training to restore your walking pattern
•increasing your range of motion
•starting to regain strength
•using an exercise bike
Keep doing exercises to improve your mobility and range of motion.
Most people progress to using a cane or nothing at all by 2–3 weeks.
If you’re using a cane, hold it in the hand opposite to your new knee and avoid leaning away from your new knee. This can help offset your weight and improve the mechanics of walking.
Throughout your recovery, alternate between sitting and walking throughout the day. Long periods of sitting can cause your knee to feel stiff.
What can you do at this stage?
You can probably walk and stand for more than 10 minutes, and showering and dressing should be easier.
If you’ve stayed on your exercise and rehab schedule, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your knee, including bending and strength, after 1 month. The swelling and inflammation should also have gone down.
The goal at this stage is to increase your knee strength and range of motion using physical therapy.
Your PT may ask you to go on longer walks. In most cases, you will no longer require a cane or assistive device to get around.
What can you do at this stage?
Ideally, you’ll feel like you’re regaining your independence at this stage. Talk with your PT and surgeon about when to return to work and daily activities.
Exercises at this stage may include:
You’ll typically keep working on physical therapy for up to 12 weeks, and potentially longer.
Your goals will include rapidly improving your mobility and range of motion — possibly 120 degrees — and increasing strength in your knee and the surrounding muscles.
Your PT will modify your exercises as your knee improves. Exercises might include:
•Bicycling on a stationary bike: If you have access to a stationary bike, cycling may help increase mobility.
•Mini squats: While standing, bend your knees slightly. You can use a chair back for support if you need it.
•Leg balances: Stand on one foot at a time for as long as possible.
At week 12, you’ll still need to continue your exercises. You should be feeling in better shape while doing them.
You’ll need to continue to avoid high-impact activities that could damage the implants or the surrounding tissues. These may include:
•running
•aerobics
•skiing
•basketball
How long does a knee replacement last?
There’s a 90–95% chance that a knee replacement will last 10 years and an 80–85% chance it will last 20 years. Stay in touch with your medical team and have regular checkups to make sure that your knee is staying healthy. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding follow-up visits. For most people, follow-up appointments continue for the first year after surgery. Your medical team will tell you when you no longer need to come for checkups. Many people who undergo total knee replacement surgery report positive outcomes. Following your rehab plan can help you recover from surgery faster. However, everyone’s recovery happens at its own pace. Your surgeon and physical therapist will let you know when it’s safe to return to household tasks, work, and other activities. Pain management over the first 12 weeks may include: •keeping your leg elevated •applying ice or using an ice machine •compression •taking acetaminophen or NSAIDs as directed •taking prescription pain relievers, such as opioids, as prescribed
How long is bed rest after knee replacement?
While you may experience pain and swelling following surgery, there is no bed rest period. Instead, you may begin moving around with an assistive device, such as a walker, and performing physical therapy exercises to improve your mobility and range of motion.
What activities should you avoid after a knee replacement?
After total knee replacement surgery, you may need to avoid getting your bandages wet or submerging the healing area in water. Later in your recovery, doctors typically recommend avoiding activities with twisting motions and those where you can risk knee injuries, such as football, skiing, and snowboarding.
How painful is rehab after knee replacement?
Rehabilitation after a knee replacement helps to restore mobility, range of motion, and strength as you recover, though you may experience some pain and discomfort from swelling. You typically receive prescription medication to help manage your pain. If your exercises cause you severe pain at any point, stop doing them and talk with a doctor or physical therapist.
You will likely be well on your way to recovery 12 weeks after total knee replacement surgery. However, you may be able to start returning to typical household tasks after about 4–6 weeks.
Committing to your rehabilitation exercises and performing the activities assigned by a PT can help your knee become stronger and regain full motion.
Most people make an excellent knee replacement surgery recovery and are up and about very quickly. Gone are the days when people were in hospital for two weeks after their surgery. Now it's up and about straight away and home in just a few days. Knee replacement recovery begins before your surgery.
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