A total knee replacement is a surgery used to relieve knee pain from arthritis.  It is a viable option when your function is minimal and conservative care has not helped. Greater than 600,000 knee replacements are done each year.  Success rates are high.  Approximately 90% of individuals experience significant symptom reduction.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

There are a few different surgical approaches to knee replacements.  The most common type is traditional and minimally invasive surgery. In both approaches, the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces are removed and replaced with prosthetic implants.

The traditional approach will typically result in an 8-12 inch scar.  The less invasive approach results in a 3-4 inch scar. Research suggests outcomes for both procedures are similar over the long term.  However, fewer complications are experienced with the traditional approach.

What to Expect in Physical Therapy After Your Knee Replacement

Following surgery, you are fully weighted bearing on your involved leg.  However, you will likely have to use an assistive device for a short period (walker, crutches, cane).   The best evidence suggests you should start outpatient physical therapy as early as possible.  The focus is on restoring normal knee motion, strength training, normalizing walking patterns, and restoring your function.

Your physical therapist will work with you to target your most significant impairments and develop a plan of care to help you achieve your goals. The entire surgery and rehab process is typically 12 weeks.  Expect continued functional gains made after 12 weeks as long as you perform your home exercise program.

A recent study suggests that approximately 98% of individuals who undergo knee replacement will return to work, including heavy work activities.  If you have a sedentary job, expect to return to work as early as 1 month after surgery.  More strenuous jobs may take up to 3 months.

You can expect to return to walking without an assistive device, swimming, golfing, driving, light hiking, biking, dancing, and other low-impact sports. However, outcomes are specific to each patient and are based on your prior levels of function.

Prepare Before Your Surgery

Physical therapy following knee replacement surgery requires a team approach between you,  your surgeon, and your physical therapist.  If you are considering undergoing a knee replacement, we recommend you meet with one of our physical therapists beforehand.  A few sessions of physical therapy before your surgery will speed up your recovery later on.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment.