The importance of physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery cannot be overstated. The process that begins with making a life-changing decision of getting your knees replaced ends successfully with a safe, smooth, and fast recovery.
Yes, once you undergo a successful knee replacement surgery, the next crucial step is ensuring a speedy recovery. Curious to know how to recover faster and get back to living an active life once again. Isn’t it? After all, it is with this goal in mind that you opted for knee replacement surgery.
Sohana Hospital is known across India and abroad for successful robotic knee replacement surgeries. Most patients start performing household tasks and even driving and sitting cross-legged in 30-45 days. A key secret?
In this blog, we are going to delve into the significance of physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery.
Physiotherapy: Exercise for Faster Recovery
For a faster recovery post-surgery, physiotherapy is ultimately essential. Of course, the first step is to get your knee replacement done by an expert knee surgeon. The second is to strictly follow their post-op advice. This generally includes instructions on Do’s and Don’ts after surgery.
What is a prominent ‘Do’ after knee surgery? Needless to say, it is regular physiotherapy sessions. In the words of Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva (Chief Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon & CEO, Sohana Hospital), “Not even one session of physiotherapy should be missed. It is physiotherapy that promotes speedy recovery and improves surgical results.”
How Does Physiotherapy Help?
Recovery doesn’t happen in a day. Healing is a gradual process that progresses in steps – each phase of recovery helps you move toward the next phase.
Physiotherapy:
- Helps manage pain
- Improves movement in the new knee
- Rebuilds strength in muscles around the knee
- Allows you to walk again sooner
Clinical studies indicate that regular physiotherapy after knee replacement promotes faster recovery, thereby making patients feel more satisfied. It means if you religiously follow your structured physiotherapy and exercise routine, your new knees may exhibit better movement and range of motion as compared with those who miss physical therapy.
Which Physiotherapy Exercises to Practise After Knee Replacement Surgery
Which exercises to do post your knee surgery? There are specific exercises for each stage of your recovery. These are designed to ensure the best results. Exercises typically range from very simple in the beginning to slightly more difficult ones over time.
Initial Exercises
- Quadriceps sets
- Straight leg raises
- Ankle pumps
- Knee straightening
- Bed-supported knee bends
- Sitting knee bends (supported and unsupported)
- Walking (firstly in the hospital room, then your home, and finally outside)
- Going up and down the stairs
Advanced Exercises and Activities
- Standing knee bends
- Assisted knee bends
- Stationary cycling
Exercise duration and time
It could be 20-30 minutes every day. It may also be doing specific exercises 2-3 times a day. You may be advised to walk for 30 minutes – 2 to 3 times a day. And most people require at least a month of physiotherapy, while some need to perform these exercises for a longer period, depending on their individual recovery status.
It is important to understand that structured knee replacement exercises are meant to make your new joint mobile and flexible, and strengthen your muscles. The exercises are designed to improve the joint without causing any damage.
When to Start Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Physiotherapy at Sohana Hospital generally starts within 24 hours after your surgery. The reason is that starting early can bring down the risk of blood clot formation while promoting faster recovery. The initial exercises are light and aim at making the muscles around the knee start working and improving blood circulation.
What Makes Physiotherapy Important After Knee Replacement?
Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva says, “It is physiotherapy after a knee replacement surgery that ensures the best outcomes. And you should not skip even a single session of the advised physiotherapy. The more particular you are about your physiotherapy, the sooner you recover.”
Here’s how physical therapy influences recovery and mobility:
| Prevents stiffness | Regular movement lowers the probability of scar tissue formation. |
| Improves blood flow | Enhanced blood circulation reduces swelling and promotes healing. |
| Restores natural movement | Prior to surgery, your walk (gait) and posture may have been affected due to changes in knees. Physiotherapy helps you learn how to walk properly once again. |
| Strengthens adjoining muscles | Muscles supporting the knee need to be strong enough to support mobility. Physiotherapy gives them this much-needed strength. |
| Improves joint awareness | Helps you understand the position of the new joint, which further helps maintain balance. |
Note: A month of physical therapy is absolutely essential.
Risks of Missing or Inadequate Physiotherapy
A successful knee replacement surgery and a comfortable 4-5 day-long hospital stay are actually a good start to recovery. But not sticking to the recommended physiotherapy regimen can have serious implications for your recovery.
| Complication | Effect on Recovery | How to Prevent |
| Stiffness risk | Severe difficulty in movement | Regular range-of-motion exercises |
| Weakness in muscles | Unstable knee and reduced function | Progressive strengthening exercises |
| Poor gait | Stress on joint in the long run | Training to walk properly |
| Blood clotting | A very serious issue with threat to life | Start moving early after surgery |
You must strictly perform the recommended physical therapy exercises to regain mobility and function in the new joint. Being impatient and avoiding physiotherapy may prolong your recovery and harm your future. Some people may even require more treatments later on.
Sohana Hospital – Your Trusted Partner in Bone and Joint Health
Sohana Hospital, Mohali, is a leading super-speciality hospital in North India, credited with introducing the path-breaking robotic knee replacement surgery in the region. It is one of the top orthopaedic hospitals in Mohali, Chandigarh.
With world-renowned knee surgeons of the stature of Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva (CEO & Chief Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon), the most advanced technologies, 7-star modular OTs reserved for knee surgeries, and world-class care, the hospital stands as a beacon of hope for knee patients from across the country and the world.
What sets Sohana Hospital apart:
- Detailed pre-surgery assessment
- Cutting-edge diagnostics
- Traditional and robotic knee replacement surgery
- Dedicated physiotherapy team
- Tailored rehabilitation planning
- Stringent hygiene protocols
- Best lodging facilities with private, semi-private, and deluxe suites
- Excellent patient facilities
- Help with insurance and paperwork
Conclusion
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in getting better and regaining movement after a knee replacement surgery. It is not only helpful – it is necessary for complete recovery and long-lasting results. It is a rehabilitation process that allows you to walk properly, feel strong, and prevent complications.
At Sohana Hospital in Mohali, patients recover well with personalised attention. Specialists like Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva and highly trained physiotherapists join hands to ensure your recovery proceeds as expected.
If you are planning to get knee replacement surgery or are recovering after knee surgery, talk to the orthopaedic specialists at Sohana Hospital to develop a dedicated rehabilitation plan for you. This will make sure you get the best results.
Successful knee replacement surgery + regular physiotherapy = Best results!
Frequently Asked Questions on Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement
How long will I have to use a walking aid after knee replacement?
For the first 10-15 days, you may have to use a walker. Then, you start using a stick and do so for another 15 days. After this, you are likely to have recovered enough to start walking without support.
Does physiotherapy hurt after knee replacement surgery?
A little pain or discomfort during physiotherapy is normal. However, it does not cause too much pain since physiotherapists make you do only light exercises in the beginning and slowly raise the difficulty level as you recover.
Can I do physiotherapy exercises at home?
Yes. At Sohana Hospital, our skilled physiotherapists train you to perform exercises when you are still in the hospital. And at the time of discharge, you get a proper instruction card with detailed guidance for physiotherapy at home. Also, you can call anytime in 24 hours to get help over the phone.
What should I do if my pain worsens during recovery?
Pain may fluctuate during the recovery phase. However, if it increases too much, you should consult your doctor. It could indicate a need for change in your exercises or a complication.
When can I return to normal activities after knee replacement?
Most patients at Sohana Hospital report significant recovery as early as 30-45 days. They start performing routine activities, household work, going for long walks, and driving in about 4-6 weeks.