There are many important decisions that go into deciding to have your knee either partially or totally replaced via Total Knee Replacement or Partial Knee Replacement/Unicondylar Surgeries.
Once your decision has been made and you have a found a surgeon, consider doing Pre-Hab or Pre-Op Physical Therapy. It has been our experience that patients that do a short course in physical therapy before knee replacement generally have a much easier time restoring their range of motion after surgery. One of our main goals when seeing patients before total or partial knee replacements is to start the process of softening and lengthening the calf and the hamstrings which often have become chronically shortened from pain and walking around on a bent knee! If we are able to lengthen the tissue before surgery particularly for those who cannot straighten their knee, it sets the stage for an easier transition to full extension after surgery! We also initiate some strengthening exercises to make you stronger going into surgery which provides stability and confidence for walking and stairclimbing post-op!
After Knee Replacement
After your knee replacement, patients typically go to an inpatient rehab stay for 7 to 10 days, or homecare. The sooner we see patients for outpatient total knee replacement rehab, the better preferably no later than 1 week from surgery! The reason we need you to start with us as soon as possible is to prevent scar tissue formation! Time is of the essence! Our physical therapy practice is very unique in that we do a great deal of hands-on manual therapy (typically 30 to 40 minutes) around the hip, knee and lower leg to enable you to move with less pain, quicker! Our combination of myofascial release, soft tissue and joint mobilization is an unparalled standard of care!
What can you expect from our practice regarding your total knee replacement or partial knee replacement rehab:
- Continuity of Care – Seeing the same physical therapist and physical therapy assistant each visit!
- Expert “hands-on” care which frankly is the most important factor in your total joint replacement rehab!
- Progression from a walker to a cane within 7 to 10 days! Navigating the stairs safely within 1 wk!
- Return to normal activities typically within the first month i.e. driving and sleeping comfortably!
- Progression to low impact activities such as golf, biking, walking etc. within 6 to 8 weeks!
The most important thing you can do for the best possible outcomes of your total or partial joint replacement is to choose an expert team! Selecting your physical therapy practice is just as important as choosing an experienced surgeon! The third and equally important consideration is YOU! Compliance and Commitment are key to achieving your best possible outcome! Our therapy team at Christine F. Hayes, PT, PC are committed to your total joint replacement rehab! See what our patients are saying and Call our office today: 610-695-9913