Total Knee Replacement and Physical Therapy By: Victoria Lavery PT, DPT
Total knee replacements are one of the most common procedures performed with over 700,000 completed annually in the US. Typically, these procedures are performed to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. The goal of a knee replacement is typically aimed at reducing pain and improving function for individuals to improve their overall quality of life and return to the activities they enjoy.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), 90% of individuals who undergo a knee replacement have a significant reduction in pain. These individuals are often able to get back to the activities they previously enjoyed, including things like walking and golf. The AAOS has also found that 90% of knee replacements are still functioning 15 years following surgery, and 82% continue to function after 25 years. It is found that this procedure is relatively safe as only 2% of people will experience any type of severe complication.
While there are a handful of side effects individuals may experience following a knee replacement, pain and stiffness are two of the most common. Stiffness can occur as scar tissue forms which can limit your knee from moving through its full range of motion. This complication can be easily avoided by closely following the exercise regimen provided to you by your physical therapist. Pain is another one of the common side effects which often resolves with time and through a good exercise routine which can be provided to you by your physical therapist.
Physical therapy prior to surgery, or “prehab”, is an option that can be helpful to improve your motion and strength pre-surgery to make recovery post-surgery a bit easier. Prehab can consist of exercises to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and improve strength. While physical therapy is critical following a knee replacement, it is not always done prior to surgery. However, many people who are going for a joint replacement of any type may benefit from prehab. Talk with your doctor or physical therapist to determine if you would benefit from physical therapy prior to surgery.
Physical therapy following a total knee replacement is crucial to make a full recovery! When you initially begin therapy following a knee replacement, you will typically start by talking with the therapist and answering some simple questions about your current status. The therapist will then take some measurements to get a baseline of your swelling, range of motion, strength, gait, and overall function. From there, your therapist will develop an individualized treatment program that is designed for you to meet your specific goals. Therapy following surgery can be challenging but will ultimately help to get your pain under control, improve your motion, improve your strength, normalize your gait pattern, and help you to return to the activities you enjoy most!
Just like any surgery, there are risks associated with a knee replacement. It is important to discuss all risks and benefits of undergoing any surgery with your doctor to decide which route is best for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at Advanced Rehabilitation!
References:
Knee Replacement Surgery Success Rate, Statistics, and Outcomes (healthline.com)