Knee surgery can vary from keyhole surgery to remove damaged tissue through to knee replacements and realignment surgery (osteotomy). On a whole, the more invasive the procedure, the longer it will take to recover. However, there are general principles to follow which can help guide your recovery.
How to recover after knee surgery?
Following a procedure on your knee, there are some general principles that can help guide your recovery. It is important to ensure that you find a therapist who is able to guide you through your recovery and ensure that there is a dialogue between them and your surgeon.
You can break recovery into the following phases:
Phase 0 - Pre-habilitation
This phase has been shown to help patients recover following surgery. The idea is to maximise range of motion, strength and muscular control around the knee. It is also an opportunity to reduce the amount of swelling and inflammation.
Phase 1 - Reduce pain, swelling and restore range of motion
This phase begins during or immediately after the operation. Phase 1 will include rest, elevation and cold therapy via application of ice packs or via a cold therapy device. Your therapist will provide you with exercises aimed to try to maintain strength and control and restore range of motion. The speed that you progress through this phase will be patient and procedure specific.
Phase 2 - Restore strength and muscular control
This phase can begin once the inflammation has reduced and in line with the procedure. The aim of this phase is to regain the musclular strength and control. It is important to not try to push yourself to move on from this phase too early. Your therapist should set goals that you need to meet before moving into phase 3.
Phase 3 - Sport specific recover
Once you have regained strength and muscular control, your therapist can introduce sport specific exercises and training. The complexity of these should increases in a stepwise fashion in line with meeting benchmarks set by your therapist.
Phase 4 - Return to sport
This phase is the final stage of recovery. This phase requires you be disciplined and return to sport in a graduated fashion. There will be a desire to do more and get back to playing or competing. It is therefore essential that your therapist and coaching team set guidelines and boundaries for each session to ensure that you return safely.
Best tips for recovery after knee surgery
Everyone will recover differently, but there are a few tips to help.
- Initially after the surgery or injury, focus on regaining full extension at the knee so the knee is fully straight.
- Use ice or a cold therapy device to help reduce the swelling.
- Perform the rehabilitation programme you are given on the other leg as well. This can help reduce the risk of injury to your other knee.
Knee surgery recovery exercises
Achieving full extension can be difficult. An easy way to help is to place your foot on a stool or table while sitting down. Do not put anything behind your knee and allow gravity to gentle straighten it.
Top 5 mistakes after knee replacement
- Resting with your knee bent for prolonged periods
- Not performing your rehabilitation exercises
- Avoiding walking
- Not using the painkillers provided
- Removing the surgical dressings unless instructed to by your doctor
Suggest our doctor for knee surgery:
Mr Webb offers a range of treatments for knee pain and injuries. His focus is on how your symptoms impact on your abilities to perform the activities you enjoy. He will aim to get an accurate diagnosis and then provide you with ways to manage your symptoms whether this is physiotherapy, keyhole surgery, joint preserving procedures or knee replacements. Mr Webb firmly believes in joint decision making by providing you with the risks and benefits of each intervention so that you can make the decision that is best for you.
Suggest our doctor for knee surgery:
Mr Webb offers a range of treatments for knee pain and injuries. His focus is on how your symptoms impact on your ability to perform the activities you enjoy.
He will aim to get an accurate diagnosis and then provide you with ways to manage your symptoms whether this is physiotherapy, keyhole surgery, joint preserving procedures or knee replacements. Mr Webb firmly believes in joint decision making by providing you with the risks and benefits of each intervention so that you can make the decision that is best for you.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CONSULTATION.
Conclusion
Recovering from a knee injury or knee surgery can seem daunting. The rehabilitation programs can be lengthy and it is important to have a plan in place with goals to achieve.
