Knee replacement surgery marks a significant milestone towards a pain-free life. Yet, the key to a successful recovery extends beyond the operating room. Postoperative rehabilitation, particularly through physiotherapy, is pivotal in restoring strength, flexibility, and overall functionality.
Knee replacements are the third line of treatment in managing osteoarthritis, with exercise, education and dietary modification being the first, as recommended by evidence and RACP guidelines (RACGP, 2018). If you want to know more about this, you can read more about 1st line treatments here.
Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility:
Physiotherapy is instrumental in improving postoperative mobility and flexibility. Therapists employ targeted exercises to expand the range of motion in the knee joint gradually. Through a combination of stretching and strengthening routines, patients can regain flexibility, facilitating the performance of daily activities with greater ease and reduced discomfort.
Muscle Strengthening:
The surgical process may result in temporary muscle weakness around the knee joint. Physiotherapists design personalised exercise programs to fortify the surrounding muscles, aiding in stabilising the knee and mitigating the risk of future complications. Physiotherapy promotes optimal joint function and reduces the likelihood of further injuries by focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
Pain Management:
Postoperative pain is a common concern for knee replacement patients. Physiotherapy adopts a multifaceted approach to pain management, incorporating gentle exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ice and heat. These strategies alleviate pain and contribute to a faster recovery process.
Balance and Coordination:
Physiotherapy aims to enhance balance and coordination, which is crucial for preventing falls and ensuring a seamless return to daily activities. Therapists integrate specific exercises to improve proprioception and stability, fostering confidence in patients as they regain their footing post-surgery.
Customised Rehabilitation Plans:
Recognising the unique nature of each patient’s recovery journey, physiotherapy tailors rehabilitation plans based on individual needs. Factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the surgical intervention are considered, ensuring that each individual progresses at a pace suited to their condition. This personalised approach enhances the likelihood of a successful recovery. Rehabilitation, based in a clinic, the home or via telehealth, is shown to gain similar functional outcomes (Buhagiar, M.A et al., 2019; Prvu Bettger, J et al., 2020).
In summary, physiotherapy is an indispensable element of post-knee replacement rehabilitation. Through targeted exercises, pain management strategies, and personalised care plans, physiotherapists at Optimum Health Solutions facilitate restoring mobility, strength, and confidence in daily activities. Integrating physiotherapy into recovery ensures a smoother transition from surgery to an active, pain-free lifestyle. If you are in need of a physiotherapist you can book an appointment here or by calling us on (02) 8599 6584.
References:
Buhagiar MA, Naylor JM, Harris IA, Xuan W, Adie S, Lewin A. Assessment of Outcomes of Inpatient or Clinic-Based vs Home-Based Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(4):e192810. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.2810
Prvu Bettger, Janet ; Green, Cynthia L. Holmes, DaJuanicia N.; Chokshi, Anang DPT3; Mather, Richard C. III MD, ; Hoch, Bryan T. ; de Leon, Arthur J. Aluisio, Frank MD4; Seyler, Thorsten M.; Del Gaizo, Daniel J.; Chiavetta, John Webb, Laura; Miller, Vincent Smith, Joseph M. MD, ; Peterson, Eric D.. Effects of Virtual Exercise Rehabilitation In-Home Therapy Compared with Traditional Care After Total Knee Arthroplasty: VERITAS, a Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 102(2):p 101-109, January 15, 2020. | DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.19.00695
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