Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Rehabilitation is very important after having a knee replacement. There are various stages in the rehab of your knee.
This includes:  Stage 1 – Your hospital stay, Stage 2 – First 6 weeks after the surgery, Stage 3 – 6 weeks to 12 weeks post surgery and Stage 4 – 12 weeks and beyond.
You will be given an exercise program to start with.  It is very important to do these.  During your hospital stay it is important to keep your knee, ankles and toes moving.  Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible after your operation.  You will most likely be assessed by a physiotherapist to see if you are
able to stand and take a few steps with your new knee.  You may be given compression stockings to wear or
have a pump which inflates pads to compress your feet.  These help to maintain circulation and prevent blood
clots after your operation.  You may also have a small drain which removes extra fluid from your wound.  There will be
some pain, swelling and bruising which is normal.  Common tools to use after surgery include an ice pack or using a cryotherapy unit to help reduce swelling.  A range of motion knee sliding board with a stretch-n-strap.  Reaching 120 degrees of knee flexion is very important to achieve within the first 6 weeks after the surgery.
It is very important to move your knee as soon as possible after the operation unless your surgeon or physiotherapist tells you not to.  This will minimize
stiffness, pain and swelling, and reduce the formation of scar tissue.