Knee Replacement Rehab

Knee replacement surgery is considered to be a major surgery in the field of joint replacements and the recovery period after a knee replacement surgery is considered as important as the surgery itself. A patient after a knee replacement surgery is shifted to a recovery room where the rehabilitation program is followed in a very comprehensive manner. Knee replacement rehab is the period when the patient can heal the wound and prepare the knee joint for more stressful work.

Knee replacement rehab devices

Knee replacement rehab after a knee replacement surgery catalyzes the healing of the wound. Role of orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists is very important in a knee replacement rehab. Orthopedic surgeons use a number of other devices to help the patient recover faster and efficiently from the surgery.

Continuous passive motion machine (CPM) - Continuous passive motion machine is used during the initial days after the surgery. This machine helps the patient move the leg without any efforts. The movement of the leg is not otherwise possible soon after the surgery. But this effortless movement helps the patient avoid blood clotting and stiffness in the knee joint.

Patient controlled anesthesia (PCA) - Patient controlled anesthesia helps the patient reduce the pain after the surgery. This is a type of self administered pain medication process which allows the patient to regulate the pain medicine through a PCA pump.

Knee replacement rehab exercises

The role of a physical therapist in knee replacement rehab is as important as the role of a surgeon. Since the knee joint has to be healed in an efficient and proper manner, knee replacement rehab exercises play an extremely important role. There are a number of exercises which can help patient avoid swelling, blood clotting and fatigue. Some of these knee replacement rehab exercises are as follows.

Quadriceps - This is the most common exercise in a knee replacement rehab program. This exercise is performed by tightening the thigh muscles and then straightening the knee joint. The tightening and straightening process of the knee joint helps avoid blood clotting and makes it possible for the patient to regain the strength in the initial period of the knee replacement rehab so as to perform other important exercises.

Ankle pumps - Ankle pumps improves the blood circulation in the knees and helps prevent blood clotting and stiffness in the ankles. This exercise is performed by tightening the thigh muscles and then rotating the ankles. Exercise could be repeated for a number of times as suggested by the physical therapist.

Straight leg raises - Straight leg raises exercise is performed by tightening the thigh muscles and then raising the straighten legs in the air. This exercise helps strengthen thigh muscles and improves blood circulation.

Walking and stair climbing - Walking and stair climbing in knee replacement rehab program is again a common feature. Initially patient can make use of a walker and subsequently the patient can climb and descend the stairs. All these knee replacement rehab exercises should be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist.