What Therapy Helps a Knee Heal Faster After Surgery?
If you have disability and pain in a knee, you may need surgery. Most commonly, osteoarthritis is the cause of such problems as it degrades cartilage in the knee. After knee surgery, physical therapy is key to getting you back on your feet again. You will almost certainly feel some pain and stiffness and it will be difficult to walk. That’s where this therapy comes in as it helps restore mobility and builds up muscle strength.
In this blog we survey the kinds of physical therapy that can aid recovery. Be aware that any therapy will need to be tailored to a patient’s specific health condition and personal circumstances.
Fairview Rehab and Nursing Home in Queens NY has a great track record in terms of providing successful inpatient and outpatient physical therapy to patients after knee replacement surgery.
Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery
Don’t be surprised if rehab begins straight after surgery. Experience shows that the sooner you embark on physical therapy the better the outcome. Physical therapists usually deploy or provide assistive devices such as canes, crutches or parallel bars to support you. These devices can get you to practice – gingerly at first – the art of walking.
Exercise and motion promotes blood flow to damaged tissues and speeds up recovery. Improved blood flow helps prevent clotting, which can cause serious health problems.
Knee surgery therapy is tailored to your specific needs and takes account of the exact surgery you have had. You will be put through your paces, but in a safe way to avoid any complications.
An occupational therapist can also give you tips on how to perform certain tasks without injuring yourself. He or she, for instance, can show you the best way to get in and out of bed, or put on socks. You may well have to change the way you bathe, use the bathroom, or use different assistive devices.
As your knee surgery therapy begins to deliver results, your therapist will alter the exercise regime. You may be helped to walk up and down the hospital corridor or climb and descend stairs. The aim is for you to be able to bend the knee 90 degrees and build up strength in it. Therapists will aim to make you fully independent and able to perform the tasks of daily living on your own.
How long is the therapy?
The duration of knee surgery therapy will depend on the operation you have had and your personal health condition. This means recovery times will vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to be with a physical therapist for several weeks after surgery. Many patients can expect to regain close to normal mobility and a great measure of independence within six weeks.
Contact us to find out more about our therapies and knee replacement care services. Feel free to walk in to see our facilities and physical therapy equipment. Our physical therapies will do their best for your speedy recovery.
This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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