Through the expertise of our associate, Cecoten (Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Centre), rehabilitation o knee surgery begins almost immediately after intervention focused on an individualized rehabilitation program that will help you recover:
- strength,
- balance and
- the range of movement of the knee.
Postoperative rehabilitation at the hospital
The program will be designed specifically for you and could include a device called a “continuous passive movement” machine that will gently stretch and bend your knee to reduce stiffness. Depending on the improvement of leg circulation, there will be other exercises such as performing stand-ups and ankle extensions or pedalling with your feet.
IMPORTANT – It is essential to get up and start moving immediately, in fact, patients are usually asked to stand up as soon as 24 hours have elapsed after surgery.
Another thing to keep in mind is the degree of pain before the operation because if you suffered considerable pain, chances are that you decreased your activity and therefore your leg muscles may have weakened.
This will have to be solved by regaining enough strength to be able to control your new knee and, in addition, starting early to be active will also stimulate healing. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide you with specific instructions on:
- treating wounds,
- pain management,
- diet and
- exercises.
How long is the hospital stay after knee surgery?
Often within 24 hours of knee surgery, you’ll begin to take a few steps with the help of a walker. As for the hospital leave, it is determined by the surgeon, and it will be when he considers that you have recovered sufficiently.
However, you can expect a stay of about 3 days in the hospital after the operation and as indicated above, depending on what your surgeon determines. Since you may be transferred to a rehab facility for a few more days.
After this period, you will have your bandages and stitches removed before you leave the hospital and you will need to continue performing the exercises at home with the help of your physical therapist. He/she will tell you how to perform home care properly and may also continue to work with you.
Home rehabilitation tips
It’s very important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, but here are some suggestions that may make your life easier when you’re home. Always talk to your surgeon before you’re discharged from the hospital:
- If you’re going to use a walker or crutches ask:
- Dr, how much weight can I put on the leg that is in recovery?
- Remember that you probably get tired quicker than usual, so you may want to schedule a rest period of between 30 and 60 minutes:
- mid-morning and
- mid-afternoon.
- It is safer and easier to sit down and stand up from the chair using both arms; you should also avoid low or over-padded furniture. To be more comfortable and keep your body upright when sitting, use:
- a cushion or
- pillow
- For mobility in the toilet and bathtub, use a:
- raised toilet seat to reduce the stress to which your knees are subjected when sitting and rising and
- Place a shelf in the shower at chest height to prevent you from having to lean over to get objects in the shower.
- A bathtub seat (or bench) will allow you to sit when you shower to increase your safety and comfort.
- Use a long handle-sponge to reach the lower legs.
- Women could also purchase a blade extension to shave their legs.
- Housekeeping. Avoid sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming and use long-handled dusters to pass on objects located in high or low places:
- Your doctor will let you know when you can sweep, scrub or vacuum.
- You can drive a car, but you must follow your doctor’s instructions to get in and out of the vehicle. You can:
- increase the height of the car seat with cushions that will protect your hip and also your knees. Your doctor will tell you when you can drive, which will normally be between:
- four to six weeks after surgery and if your car has manual gear shifting, talk to your doctor about your driving limitations.
- Make sure you can use the brake without suffering discomfort before driving in traffic.
- Constipation is a common problem after surgery. It’s often because your activity will be limited and the medication you take to relieve pain. Talk to your doctor about your diet, you might include unless your doctor tells you otherwise:
- fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as
- eight glasses filled with liquid a day
- It is normal that there is some inflammation around the incision. You’ll be more comfortable if you dress:
- loose clothing to avoid putting pressure on the incision.
Remember to consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional about how to take care of your wound properly.