Proper preparation before surgery and good physical therapy rehabilitation after surgery result in patients being able to use their knees normally, with a good quality of life appropriate for their age. Postoperative exercises need to be appropriate because there is still pain from the surgery. For the safety of the patient’s movement, doctors and physical therapists closely monitor the patient.
Physical Therapy in the Early Period After Surgery
Swelling, stiffness, and knee pain can occur in the early period after surgery. In addition to medication, physical therapy includes cold compresses, muscle contraction exercises around the knee combined with ankle dorsiflexion, or assisted gentle knee flexion and extension within a pain-free range of motion. This prepares the use of a Continuous Passive Motion machine. The thigh muscles need to be strong before the patient starts to stand up and
Physical Therapy When the Patient Can Sit and Stand
When the patient can sit and stand on the bed, to speed up the recovery of the body and the operated knee, physical therapy will begin with knee flexion and extension exercises for both legs on the bed, especially the operated leg. This helps the knee to stretch and prevents joint stiffness, as well as strengthens the muscles around the knee.
Physical Therapy with Walker Training
The physical therapist will help the patient practice standing and walking with a walker, staying close for safety. Starting with walking around the bed and gradually increasing the distance around the bed or within the patient’s room until walking becomes more stable. Then, training to go up and down stairs is done well before the doctor allows discharge, usually within 4-7 days depending on each patient’s condition.
When walking with a walker, the patient should lift the walker forward a reasonable distance, then step forward with the good leg, using the walker to support weight, and then step the operated leg forward to be even with the normal leg.
Guidelines for Patients Returning Home After Knee Surgery
When the doctor permits the patient to return home, continuous physical therapy is important. The doctor and physical therapy team will provide advice tailored to each patient to strengthen the muscles around the knee, increase leg muscle flexibility, and improve the range of motion of the artificial knee so the patient can effectively use the knee and return to daily activities. Therefore, patients should strictly follow the physical therapist’s instructions.
Another important aspect for patients and caregivers is to prepare the home environment, such as arranging the patient’s bedroom on the ground floor, avoiding stairs for those at risk of falls, using a toilet with a flush system, and caring for the surgical wound to prevent infection and attending follow-up appointments with the doctor.
Exercises to Strengthen Leg Muscles
About 2-6 months after surgery, patients become accustomed to the artificial knee and can bend the knee 120-140 degrees with stable walking, stair climbing, and alternating steps.
Recommended sports include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and sports that do not put much strain on the knee such as badminton and tennis. Patients should avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects, sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or squatting as these put impact on the artificial knee, reducing its lifespan. If physical therapy or exercise causes pain, muscle soreness, or joint pain including the operated knee, stop immediately. If pain persists for more than 1-2 days, see a doctor promptly.
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Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, 16th Floor
Open daily from 08:00 – 19:00
Phyathai Call Center 1772 or
Tel. 0-2467-1111 ext. 1603 and 1602
