Admin / December 19, 2024
For people who have persistent knee pain and limited movement, knee replacement surgery is a life-altering remedy. Frequently, it forms a crucial component of Arthritis Knee Treatment, assisting the patient in restoring their quality of life. However, the step doesn't end with surgery alone; physical therapy (PT) also helps patients have a satisfactory recovery. So, what type of physical therapist is best for knee replacement? This will be discussed more in depth below.
Knee replacement surgery requires physical therapy after the surgery. It helps in regaining movement, decreasing swelling and strengthening the weakening muscles around the knee. If rehabilitation is not done properly then the new joint will not work as envisaged and will be linked to pain, stiffness and movement restriction. In addition, regular PT is vital as it improves the chances of avoiding complications after the surgery like blood clots or infections, hence it's a necessary part deal.
Knee injury and joint pain can be treated with a combined technique. So, if you wondering how to help your knee after replacement surgery, here’s the most accurate answer:
Techniques that involve manual intervention are used in this type of therapy to address stiffness and enhance flexibility. For example, a licensed physical therapist may utilize soft tissue manipulation to relieve tightness surrounding the knee joint and increase its blood flow. Also, it is effective in the first few days after the injury when the joint feels very stiff and confined.
The new joint requires support from strong muscles surrounding the knee such as quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Exercises such as leg presses, step-ups and resistance band workouts are part of strength training which can help build these muscles. In the long run, this will not only improve mobility but also reduce the pressure placed on the knee.
As mentioned above, before starting with ROM exercises, the patient has to undergo a range of motion/stretching exercises. These exercises facilitate the movements around the joint. Some of the exercises include heel slides, knee bends, and straight-leg raises among others. The need to begin these exercises early is to avoid the formation of scar tissue which can complicate mobilization.
For every patient who is recovering from a knee replacement joint surgery, either balance and/or joint stability is crucial. Balance and stability exercises enhance the gait of the patients and the likelihood of falls is also reduced. Stability may be enhanced using wobble boards with exercise or by simply asking the patient to stand on one leg. This part of PT is specific for elderly patients.
For people battling pain or discomfort, exercising in water provides a low-impact option. Water buoyancy also alleviates any stress experienced on the knee since there is complete movement of the length of joints. It is recommended to remain active even while recuperating by undertaking activities like walking or lifting legs in the swimming pool.
The work of physical therapy doesn't end on reaching the clinic. Therapists would often see patients doing simple exercises at home after weekly appointments. Such programs are crucial for consistency and to make certain that the healing process is 'inline'.
Read Also:- Arthritis Knee Treatment: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
The field of physical therapy is slowly changing due to the introduction of technologies and their development. For instance, robotic-assisted rehabilitation strengthens the knee by giving precise movement guidance to the knee. Also, patients can receive feedback about their physical therapy progress from the point of view of virtual sessions. These advancements improve recovery and facilitate therapy for patients who cannot attend clinics often.
When it comes to choosing a therapist, you should pay attention to them making it easier for you to recover. Try looking for someone who works with orthopaedic rehabilitation or joint replacement recovery. Every person is unique so your therapist should customize a recovery framework that meets your individual needs and development. In the same breath, having a profound connection with your therapist will help you stay consistent and build trust.
Recovery has some challenges. Listed below are a few of the mistakes which should be avoided:
A common mistake is over-exertion. This happens when patients do a lot in the beginning and such an approach leads to either injury or some setback.
Most of the recovery patients skip the regular sessions. It is a bad idea as all the plans such as surgeries etc. have to be adjusted while keeping appointments in mind. Leaving out appointments will only hamper your development.
While It is understandable that swallowing your sorrows might be hard, pain, reddening or swelling should never be taken lightly. Talk to your surgeon or the best arthritis doctor in Lucknow for early treatment.
One of the most difficult thoughts is to visit a physical therapist after you've undergone a knee replacement. There's so much to look forward to and in this article, we'll look into some approaches to how to kick-start your recovery. For starters, the story doesn't end after your surgery—think of it as phase one of your life. After having a long conversation with your plastic surgeon, you must discuss these plans with your physiotherapist as well.
Phase two of your life, while recovering from the surgery, is about overcoming obstacles, so use this time to breathe easy— welcome the change that the new knee, or the start of a new journey, brings for you.
