Knee Replacement Rehab

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What is Knee Replacement Rehab like?

The recovery and rehabilitation process for a total knee replacement is crucial to return to function. Knee replacement rehab begins almost immediately after surgery. A Physical Therapist will assist you with beginning to walk with an assistive device (usually a walker). Sometimes a machine will be used to assist with beginning to bend the knee again on day one. Knee replacement rehab may be painful at times. The goal is that your physical therapist is trying to assist you in returning to your daily activities!

Home Physical Therapy for Knee Replacement Rehab 

Home physical therapy for knee replacement rehab will typically last for two weeks and begin after leaving the hospital. A therapist will come to your house and teach you exercises to do the following:

• Improve knee mobility.
• Improve knee/leg strength.
• Begin walking again.

Knee Replacement Rehab 

Outpatient Physical Therapy for Knee Replacement Rehab 

After the home therapy, you will progress to going to see a physical therapist at an outpatient clinic such as Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute. Your physical therapist will assist you in stretches and exercises to return to performing your daily activities. 

Your therapist will help you to bend your knee to a functional range and improve your leg strength. The goal would be to do activities such as:

• Getting in/out of a car or bathtub.
• Climb stairs.
• Stand from a chair.
• Walk without an assistive device.
• Walk a few blocks or around the grocery store.
• Bending/squatting to lift objects from ground.

A few things to be prepared for:

• May have swelling in the knee (up to 6 months!).
• Most patients can get up and begin moving right after surgery.
• You will probably begin walking before leaving the hospital with a walker.
• You will eventually be able to golf again with physician approval.
• Bruising is normal.
• You may have decreased sensation in the knee after surgery.
• Ice will help to decrease the excess swelling.

To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.  We can also come to your home with the JOI Rehab Bridge Program.

JOI Fracture and Injury Care

JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP Fracture care. Make an appointment by calling (904)JOI-2000.

By: Chad Evans, PT