Your Knee

Rehabilitation
Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure, and physical knee rehabilitation is crucial to a full recovery. In order for you to meet the goals of total knee surgery, you must take ownership of the rehabilitation process and work diligently on your own, as well as with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The knee rehabilitation process following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful at times.

Early Rehabilitation
Your knee rehabilitation program begins in the hospital after surgery. Early goals of knee rehabilitation in the hospital are to reduce knee stiffness and maximize post-operative range of motion as well as to help you get ready for discharge. The following steps may be taken to help maximize your range of motion after total knee replacement surgery:

• Strict adherence to the CPM protocol as prescribed by your surgeon
• Early physical therapy (day 1 or 2) to begin range of motion exercises and walking program
• Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression stocking, and elevation)
• Adequate pain control so you can tolerate the rehabilitation regimen

Outpatient Physical Therapy
Your outpatient knee rehabilitation program will consist of a variety of exercises designed to help you regain range of motion in the knee and build strength in the muscles which support the knee. You will follow an advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated. A stationery cycle and walking program will be used to help increase range of motion and stamina, and an aquatic therapy program may be added as well.