The prosthesis procedure requires a rehabilitation period to ensure optimal recovery.
Knee prosthesis is a wellness surgery.
It involves replacing the knee joint with synthetic materials and as such, it necessarily requires a rehabilitation period to enable optimal recovery and return to routine as soon as possible.
This treatment is generally recommended for individuals with pain due to osteoarthritis or bone necrosis who have not benefited from conservative treatment.
The main goals you can achieve are:
- pain reduction
- improvement of joint mobility
- enhancement of motor skills and consequently quality of life
In this article I answer the most frequently asked questions about rehabilitation after knee prosthesis surgery to provide you with all the guidance needed to resume your favorite activities without pain.
First a note: recovery times vary from patient to patient. Each case is specific and must always be evaluated individually, depending on several factors:
- age
- bone quality
- general health condition
- type of prosthesis used: unicompartmental or total prosthesis.
What are the objectives of rehabilitation?
Post-operative rehabilitation after knee prosthesis surgery is crucial, because it allows you to achieve the following objectives:
- quickly regain independence in daily activities
- control pain
- prevent complications from immobilization: thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, bedsores, stiffness
- achieve adequate knee mobility
- strengthen muscles
- restore joint mobility and muscle tone
- return to a normal life confidently
For this reason you should avoid a sedentary lifestyle, both before and after the prosthesis implantation. The earlier you start re-education to correct movements, the better the rehabilitation results will be.
When does rehabilitation start after the surgery?
Recovery times are much faster with the Rapid Recovery approach used by Dr. Vanni Strigelli compared to traditional prosthetic surgery.
After knee prosthesis surgery you can get up a few hours post-surgery. Rehabilitation starts immediately and you can walk and move with the help of physical therapists on the same day.
What type of rehabilitation should you do after knee prosthesis surgery?
From the first hours after surgery you will be assisted and educated in the hospital on knee prosthesis rehabilitation exercises designed to maintain joint mobility and extension and preserve muscle strength and tone.
You will be shown procedures and precautions for sitting down after prosthesis implantation, lying down in bed, using crutches correctly and gradually abandoning them.
The physical therapist will instruct and correct you during the short hospital stay on the exercises you need to continue at home to complete rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy exercises can be divided into two main categories:
- the first one has the aim of maintaining joint functionality: it is composed of mobility and joint exercises combined with muscle strengthening exercises, which are simple and easy to perform;
- the second one, focused on recovering proper walking and proprioception management: how to use crutches, climb and descend stairs with the recently operated knee and suggestions on overcoming any difficulties.
Where to do rehabilitation after knee prosthesis surgery?
There are several options to be guided through this rehabilitation process:
- at the healthcare facility where you had the surgery
- with a physiotherapist
- at home
- using the MyMobility app, designed to accompany you through the pre- and post-operative phases, which can complement traditional physiotherapy.
By choosing MyMobility you have the convenience of a specially designed exercise program administered via your mobile phone or computer.
Dr. Vanni Strigelli collaborates with MyMobility to modernize recovery techniques, ensuring a closer doctor-patient connection.
Through the app you can:
- access videos with rehabilitation exercises directly
- communicate with your doctor through text messages, videos or images and get responses to your questions
- receive support throughout the rehabilitation process.
How long does rehabilitation last after knee prosthesis surgery and each session?
After knee prosthesis surgery the “new joint” is perfectly functional immediately.
However, the soft tissues around the prosthesis need time to heal completely.
Therefore it is equally important to walk, do physiotherapy and rest.
Rehabilitation after knee prosthesis surgery lasts about 8 weeks with 15-20 outpatient sessions, although sometimes fewer sessions may be sufficient for recovery.
Each post-operative rehabilitation session lasts about an hour; the exact time depends on the individualized rehabilitation program.
For more information on post-operative rehabilitation with Dr. Vanni Strigelli, contact us on this page for a consultation.
