Thinking about getting a total knee replacement? Already have the surgery scheduled? Be sure to read these tips and advice from some of our physical therapists, who collectively treat hundreds of knee replacements yearly. Patients who experience success and excellent outcomes following a total knee arthroplasty usually do so because of some the tips and tricks you are about to read!
Julia Masse, PT, DPT says:
- “Your surgeon and your PT are going to give you the best tools they can in order for you to have a good outcome, but be prepared to have to put in hard work on your end in order to get your new knee where it needs to be. What you do at home for your home program is just as important as what you do with your PT in the clinic.”
- “Prior to surgery, try to stay as active as you can. If you can come to PT pre-operatively, we can get you on a program to strengthen muscles that may be weak before you undergo surgery.”
Jay Bernasconi, PT, DPT, OCS and owner of Furnace Brook Physical Therapy (who has undergone a total knee replacement himself) adds:
- “Invest in a stationary bike and put it in your bedroom before the surgery; use it multiple times per day. I still hop on my mine for 2-3 minutes if I feel my knee is stiff.”
- “Bend your knee at all costs as soon and as far as possible. Don’t let it get stiff!”
Jennifer Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS contributes:
- “The tip I could give someone undergoing a knee replacement would be to not compare your experience with that of anyone else. I oftentimes encounter patients that are frustrated with their progress because their elderly family member did ‘so much better’ than them. Each experience is variable and based on countless factors. You only have control over your experience, so do the work and the results will come.”
Ryan Sheedy, PT, DPT, OCS mentions:
- “Elevate for 20 minutes, 4-5 times per day. Swelling is your enemy and will make the knee difficult to move! Ice it for pain 10-12min.”
- “This surgery is uncomfortable. No two ways about it! Be willing to accept some pain in the early going in order to achieve long-term goals.”
- “Do 5 minutes of exercise every waking hour for the first month. Your Home PT will teach you. Doesn’t really matter what it is, just keep the knee moving.”
Hopefully these tips help you achieve a fantastic quality of life with your new knee! Good luck!