Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery
Making the decision to get knee surgery isn’t an easy process. There is a lot to consider, perhaps most important of which is the recovery. Regardless of age, it takes a great balance of rest, time, and strategic exercises – also known as physical therapy – to make it happen.
Why Get Knee Surgery
There are numerous situations that lead to knee surgery, but one common factor for nearly all of them is pain. Severe knee pain will lead to surgery in a much shorter time period, whereas surgery may be delayed or put off for years if that knee pain is moderate or mild. Another common factor for those who choose surgery is if their knee pain occurs in a resting state, as opposed to happening only during physical activity.
Some common conditions that lead to knee surgery include:
- Arthritis – The are dozens of types of arthritis, but those most often linked to knee pain include Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid, Septic, and Pseudogout Arthritis.
- Injuries – Truck and car accidents, sports accidents, and slip and fall accidents are all common causes of knee injuries
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – This is one of those knee issues that seem to just “happen.” It can occur as a direct result of arthritis, and/or happens when the kneecap is not properly aligned, causing pain in that area.
Types of Knee Surgeries
ACL Reconstruction – The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is injured most often in sports accidents for those athletes who make sharp turns and cuts on the court or on the field.
Total Knee Replacement – This procedure is perhaps the most in-depth and detailed of them all and can take several weeks to several months to heal.
Partial Knee Replacement – This surgery serves as a popular alternative to total knee replacement surgery. It is for those patients whose knee pain or ailment is confined to a specific area of the knee, as opposed to the vast majority of it.
Tendon Repair – OrthoInfo.org says, “Small tears of the tendon can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery and physical therapy to regain full knee function.”
Arthroscopic – This type of surgery is done to look at the joint and to diagnose and possibly treat the source of knee pain. Just like the name of the surgery itself, a tool called an “arthroscope” is used to repair the joint.
Meniscus Repair – This surgery focuses on the torn meniscus cartilage by either repairing the tear or replacing the cartilage altogether.
Depending on the overall health of the patient prior to surgery, the healing and recovery process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The key to increasing the chances of the best recovery possible is physical therapy.
Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery
Each knee surgery – and the individual undergoing the procedure – will have their own healing journey that is unique to them. However, in most cases, once you are cleared to begin physical therapy, most people take part in a 2 or 3 day/week regimen paired with the customized at home plan provided to them by an experienced physical therapy team.
For those who are particularly challenged when it comes to getting to a rehab location, CyberRehab or at home therapy should be considered.
Are you or a loved on scheduled for knee surgery in the near or distant future and living in the Miami Dade area? Call Physical Therapy Now to make sure your healing process begins as soon as possible at (800) 481-4582. We take pride in seeing patients just like you make a strong recovery from knee surgery, so don’t miss out on Miami’s top physical therapy team at Physical Therapy Now post knee surgery physical therapy.
