Whether you have knee pain that has just begun following a sports injury or if you have been battling it for years you know that it can really reduce your overall mobility. At Orthopedic Associates we not only help people with Total Knee Replacement, but with the necessary physical therapy you can benefit from for many years to come. 

If osteoarthritis is the main culprit in your knee pain you will have trouble straightening (and bending) your knee. You will have stiff and swollen knees that can inhibit your ability to run and walk. 

Physical therapy is often the first course of treatment in your knee pain – and it can be the last depending on your route to health. If you have lost too much of your range of motion (ROM) or have too much pain to participate in effective physical therapy surgery may be needed first — a Total Knee Replacement (TKR). OA’s team of orthopedic surgeons will determine if TKR surgery is your best course of action and if it will help you achieve your goal of full mobility. 

If we do go the route of TKR you will still need physical therapy after your surgery. It is important in producing your best overall result. 

Total Knee Replacement Surgery 

Following your surgery, physical therapy may start the very next day. 

Some things that your physical therapist may help you within the hospital include:

• Exercises to help improve your range of motion
• Using your assistive devices, like a walker or crutches
• Strengthening exercises
• Learning to walk (gait training)
• Stair climbing
• Using your continuous passive motion machine
• Pain and swelling control
• Be sure to speak with your doctor to understand exactly what to expect from physical therapy in the hospital after your total knee surgery.

Sub-Acute and Acute Rehabilitation

Many times after a total knee replacement you can go home right away – that may not always be the case, but oftentimes it is. If you need more assistance you may be admitted to a sub-acute rehabilitation facility where you will have access to a rehabilitation team. The team will work closely with you to improve your mobility, stability and get you home safely. If a rehabilitation facility is more than you need you can also receive acute rehab. This is an intensive outpatient type of therapy where you spend multiple hours, multiple days a week with your therapist. 

The members of your rehabilitation team may include:

• Your Surgeon or Doctor 
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Speech therapists
• Psychologists

Physical therapy will focus on your functional mobility — things like climbing stairs or even simply walking safely. You will also work on bed-to-stand transfers and exercises for increasing your range of motion. The main goal of this stage is to get you moving – safely and quickly! 

At Home

Once you are home after surgery you may receive physical therapy services in your home. If you are unable to go to the therapists actual location – there are options for home therapy. Additionally there are treatments they can offer to keep your swelling and pain under control. 

Need help? The team at Orthopedic Associates can help you create a treatment path to full recovery. Contact us at [email protected].