Mistakes to Avoid After Knee Replacement
Nearly 75,000 knee replacements were performed in Canada in 2018–2019, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed. Knee replacement surgeries are an effective and safe way to help patients improve mobility, quality of life, and resume normal activities.
Research shows that 82% of total knee replacements are still successfully functioning after 25 years. Patients report significant improvements in stiffness, pain, vitality, social functioning, and physical function.
In fact, the authors of a study reported that knee replacement provides “profound improvements of physical activity for majority patients.”
Knee replacement surgery requires proper aftercare to ensure the patient recovers completely and receives optimal results with their surgery. In this blog post, we’ll look at common knee replacement post-surgical mistakes that can slow down the healing process:
Skipping Rehab Or Physiotherapy
Depending on your age, mobility, and the extent of your surgery, your doctor will recommend visiting a physiotherapist several times a week. Professionally-administered rehabilitation is a vital part of the recovery process that helps strengthen the surrounding muscles and joints.
Be sure never to skip your appointments, or be under the false impression that you can do physical therapy on your own with the help of the internet. You need a trained professional to help you regain mobility, flexibility, and monitor your progress to determine which techniques and modalities will be the most beneficial for you.
In addition to your appointments, your physiotherapist will also give you home exercises. Follow them diligently. This will allow you to work through the pain and regain your strength quicker.
Doing Too Much, Too Soon
While getting up and moving around after knee replacement surgery is encouraged, during the first few weeks, you need to protect your joints from full weight-bearing forces by using a walker. This will allow you to carry some of your body weight through your arms instead of the surgical knee.
Putting a lot of force on your new knee can inflame and aggravate your bones, resulting in additional pain. Keep in mind that your main focus during the recovery period is retaining the range of motion of your knees. It’s also vital to get plenty of rest to help the body heal faster.
Trying To Recover With Little Pain Medication
The first week or two after your knee replacement surgery may be the hardest because you’re constantly struggling with chemical pain induced by the trauma your knee has undergone. Patients often try to muscle through this pain with as little pain medication as possible. In doing so, you’re doing yourself a grave disservice because you end up feeling poorly most of the time and have little success in improving your range of motion.
In the initial weeks, by taking the meds prescribed to you by your doctor and undergoing the exercises advised by a physiotherapist, you can get off narcotic pain medicines within a few weeks and quickly increase your range of motion. After all, medications give you an optimal chance of success.
Our expert physiotherapists treat a variety of conditions, including pre/post-surgical rehabilitation, joint conditions, age-related aches and pains, and more, using evidence-based techniques and modalities.
Our knowledgeable professionals conduct a detailed and personalized musculoskeletal assessment to restore patients’ functional mobility effectively.
We also offer Intra-muscular Stimulation, and Shockwave Therapy at our sports injury clinic. We serve patients in Silver Heights, St. James, and other neighborhoods in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Book an appointment to accelerate your road to recovery today.