Recovering from a surgery may sound difficult and cumbersome, but with modern minimally invasive surgeries, it is a much easier process than you would imagine. So, life after knee replacement will put you through different recovery stages. However, you will be able to get back to your life and start doing all the activities you once enjoyed without the dull pain. It is important to take the steps of recovery seriously as they can define how successful your surgery will be once you are back home. So, with that being said, let’s take a deep dive into knee replacement surgery recovery and its different stages to understand how you can enjoy your best life after knee replacement surgery.

Different Stages of Recovery Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery
 

Recovery for your knee replacement starts right after you wake up from your anesthesia after the surgery. From there it takes up to 12 weeks to be completely back to your life and all the activities you once used to enjoy. It is important to gradually go through all the recovery stages and not rush the process to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery. So, let’s take a look at the different recovery stages.

Post Surgery

Once you are awake from the anesthesia, physical therapists and doctors will assess your surgical site to ensure you are recovering properly. Following that, physical therapists will help you try to walk using assistive aids like crutches and canes.  Since the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, you are free to leave, once the doctors approve that you are able to walk after the procedure. They may also ask you to go through some more general exercises like walking around unassisted using walking aids, using a toilet, and sitting on the side of your bed.

Once you can successfully do all this, and doctors decide you are fit to leave after some medical tests, you are free to go back home. The key is to also arrange your home accordingly to ensure you are not forced to move around in ways that stress your knees too much. You would also be recommended to start physical therapy from the next day itself.

Week 1

During the first week, you will slowly be able to improve the range of motion in your knee and regain its strength. This is possible only when you get your physical therapy session every day during the week, which will help you adjust your new knee to your body.

If you feel up for it, you can go back to strength training exercises in the first week given your doctors are okay with it. The key is to understand your physical limits and not push yourself. If you start too soon or go for heavy training too early, it will cause swelling and pain in your legs.

While you are focusing on physical therapy, you also need to be diligent with your medication and rest. Using an ice pack regularly is also crucial to your recovery. And if you follow these steps diligently for a week, you should be able to move on to the next stage of recovery.

Weeks 2 to 3

By the start of the 3rd week, there is a good chance that you may be able to walk unassisted without any walking aid. If you still need to use a cane, it is advisable that you hold it in the opposite hand of your new knee. This will help you ensure that you are putting enough pressure on your knee and slowly making it accustomed to your body weight.  During this period, you should continue whatever you did in the last phase, but also add movement throughout your day. Staying stationary for a long period can make your knee feel stiff, so make sure you are moving around adequately throughout the day.

Also, dressing yourself and showering should get easier by this stage and you should be able to walk or stand for as long as 10 minutes after the surgery. And if you require prescription medicine to manage the pain, you should not need it further. If you are still having pain, it is best to inform your doctors.

Weeks 4 to 6

By the end of a month after your surgery, the swelling and any pain you might have had should have gone down by now. You will also notice a gradual but significant change in the range of motion and strength of your new knee. You will be able to walk for longer periods unassisted and finally without any walking aids.

To expedite your recovery, you would be recommended to add some new exercises to your regular routine. This includes toe and heel raises and hip abductions. Your physical therapist will explain to you how to perform these exercises and will even supervise you during the first few times. Once you are comfortable doing these exercises, you should be able to drive and go back to work.

For driving especially, it is important to clear it with your doctors before you sit behind the wheel. Similarly, for going back to work, it only applies, if you have a desk job. If your job is outdoors and physical in nature, it is best to sit out for at least 3 months before you go back to work.

Weeks 7 to 11

When you start week 7, you will be able to start swimming again. It is a great way to improve your knee strength and get your regular exercise started. Your physical exercise coach will also recommend that you try new exercises that will mobilize your knee further and improve your range of motion.

This includes cycling, balancing on your leg, and performing step-ups. You would also be recommended to try squatting and holding your squats to assess the strength in your knees. It is important that you do these exercises because they are crucial to your recovery. You should also continue your physical therapy till the 12th week at least, to ensure your body has properly adjusted to your new knee.

Week 12

You are at the end of your recovery journey and thanks to your valiant efforts, you should now have complete independence and be able to perform all the tasks you used to do just like before. If your work involves physical activity, doctors would clear you to be back to work by now. You should also be able to get rid of the pain in your knee that led to you getting the knee replacement.

Even though this is the time when your physical therapy sessions will stop, you should still continue the exercises they suggested to maintain optimum health. Similarly, it is in your best interest to also go for regular checkups with your doctor to ensure you are recovering safely. And lastly, you may be asked to keep your body weight and diet in check so as to not put too much pressure on your legs as you age.

Conclusion

This is a complete guide to knee replacement recovery when you get your surgery done from a top knee replacement hospital like MASSH. We are there with you at every step of the way during these 12 weeks and will guide you through this journey to make it as easy and seamless for you as possible. We also offer hospital stay facilities for patients who want our care facilities for an extended period during their recovery. To learn more about knee replacement at MASSH, check out our website or visit us today.