Patients considering a total knee arthroplasty are naturally nervous about recovery. The surgery itself is invasive — it involves manipulation of the bones, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the knee — but more challenging than the operation is the commitment to rehabilitation afterwards. Consistent therapy prevents scar tissue buildup and stimulates muscle recovery.
To facilitate a smoother recovery, we have patients begin physical therapy before surgery. Many patients don’t realize how weak their knees have become from long-standing arthritis. A gait pattern that favors one knee results in progressive deterioration and atrophy of the surrounding muscles. The stronger your muscles are before surgery, the easier the recovery.
At our institution we have a rapid recovery and rehabilitation protocol. All patients are familiarized with the post-operative exercise regimen in a mandatory class we call “joint camp.” Hours after surgery, our patients are already working with physical therapy — “test-driving” their new knee. Most patients can immediately distinguish the post-operative pain from the excruciating arthritic pain they used to live with.
Upon discharge, patients meet their outpatient physical therapists, who supervise the rest of their recovery. As they progress, therapists incorporate more advanced rehabilitation techniques. Below is the recovery of one of our exemplary patients — severe arthritis going in, determined to get back to golf and recreational sport. Within hours of his surgery he was up and walking with minimal pain.
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