Post Operative Care for a Total Knee Replacement

 Immediate Recovery in Hospital:

  • After surgery, patients are closely monitored in the recovery room until they are stable.
  • Vital signs are checked regularly, and pain management is initiated to ensure comfort.
  • Physical therapists may begin gentle exercises to promote circulation and prevent complications like blood clots.
  • Usually you want to get up and walking a few hours after surgery, with a hospital Physical Therapist

    Pain Management:

    • Pain management is a key aspect of post-operative care. Medications, including opioids and non-opioids, are prescribed as needed.
    • Ice therapy and elevation of the leg can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

    Physical Therapy:

    • Physical therapy is initiated soon after surgery to improve mobility and strength in the knee joint.
    • Exercises focus on regaining range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and improving balance and stability.
    • The physical therapist provides guidance on using assistive devices like crutches or a walker and teaches proper techniques for walking and climbing stairs.

    Your doctor will also speak with you about home health physical therapy once you are discharged from the hospital. Home Health therapists travel to the comfort of your home to help you get basic mobility back after surgery. You continue with home health until you are able to visit an actual Physcial Therapy office. It must be noted that physical therapy is extremely important. You want to get as much mobility back in the first 6 weeks. It is a tough process but have trust in your healthcare providers and push through recovery.