Total Knee Replacement Rehab Process

Why total knee replacement?

For most people who do this procedure, they do it because they suffer from a condition called osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative condition, meaning, the condition develops as we age. People who suffer from osteoarthritis have a thinning of their cartilages. As the cartilage wear out, it exposes the bone underneath. As a result, when they bear weight on that joint, it causes the bones to rub on each other. This is painful! That’s why a total knee replacement is often recommended to alleviate this pain.

What happens after a total knee replacement?

What you will have to realise is that your total knee replcament is not complete even after the doctor is done with you. You will need to attend physiotherapy to rehabilitate your knee after years of pain and the trauma of the surgical procedure. Most likely, you will be in pain and swollen for a little while after the surgery. This is where your physiotherapist come in to help you get moving again.

What happens during rehabilitation?

We divide rehabilitation into phases. Here they are:

1. Phase 1 (0-2 weeks) – In this phase, your therapy has the following goals:
   • Reducing Swelling
   • 0-90 deg range
   • Reactivation of your quadriceps muscles
   • Walking independently, weight bearing as tolerated
2. Phase 2 (2-6 weeks) – This is where you will feel more normal. Therapy will have the following goals:
   • Maximising your range
   • Normal walking without aid
   • Scar tissue management
   • Some strengthening exercises
3. Phase 3 (6-12 weeks) – We start focusing on more functional activities. We will try to get you back to your recreational activities
4. Phase 4 (12 weeks and beyond) – We will be getting you back to your normal strength and normal activities

If you are one of those who are facing a total knee replacement in the future, we hope we have given you some insights into what the process is like. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us.