Knee replacement surgery is carried out when the knee joint is severely damaged due to arthritis, injury or old age. Physiotherapy is important in helping patients to recover after surgery and return to their normal daily activities. Physiotherapy can help with pain and swelling, knee movement, muscle strengthening, walking and balance. Patients may first develop pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty walking. Physiotherapy helps to combat these problems with regular physical activity and proper guidance.
At Physionautics we offer a tailored rehabilitation program depending on the patient’s condition and stage of recovery. To start off, we concentrate on ankle pumps, quadriceps strengthening, gluteal exercises, heel slides and light knee bending and straightening exercises. These exercises improve blood circulation, activate muscles and increase the range of motion of the knee gradually. Then we add straight leg raises, knee extension exercises, stationary cycling and progressive strengthening exercises. We also focus on sit-to-stand training, practice walking with a walker or cane, stair climbing and balance training.
As recovery progresses we slowly introduce functional exercises to help patients to perform daily activities independently, such as walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs. We also teach patients how to walk, posture, home exercises and precautions to avoid unnecessary stress on the new knee joint. The rehabilitation program is based on pain, swelling, muscle strength, knee motion and the surgeon’s orders. Regular physiotherapy and home exercises help patients to regain confidence, improve mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.
At Physionautics we want all knee replacement patients to recover safely, walk with confidence and return to an active and independent lifestyle.
