Knee surgery can consist of one or another different procedures that are designed to enhance or restore functioning to a knee and to reduce pain, according to the Mayo Clinic No matter the specific type of knee surgery undertaken, a patient optimizes the results of the procedure by engaging in an appropriate course of physical therapy following surgery. There are a number of ways in which physical therapy does aid a patient in the aftermath of knee surgery.
At the heart of a post surgical physical therapy plan is a gradual and steady regimen, according to WebMD Indeed, after some surgical procedures, a patient will begin a program of physical therapy virtually immediately. In some cases, a very short lag occurs between the completion of surgery and the commencement of physical therapy. A patient’s surgeon and primary care physician determine when and how a course of physical therapy commences following knee surgery.
Reduce Post-Surgery Pain
A primary reason physical therapy is beneficial following knee surgery is found in the fact that it can be helpful (and vitally so) in the reduction of pain. The reality is that nearly all people who end up having one type of knee surgery or another have been dealing with knee pain for what might have been an extended period of time.
As noted, surgery is designed in part to lessen or eliminate outright knee pain. Surgery is by definition that results in post-operative pain. Although pain medication usually is prescribed following knee surgery, an early focus of physical therapy is pain management.
According to the Texas Orthopedics Sports & Rehabilitation Associates, the pain management process begins slowly and usually very soon after the procedure is completed. Indeed, within 24 hours stretching even some limited walking typically is the order of the day after knee surgery as part of an overall effort to lessen and then elevate post-surgical pain.
Increase Knee Strength
By the time a person undergoes knee surgery, a variety of other less invasive treatment procedures likely have been undertaken. Because a knee problem likely has persisted for at least some if not an extended period of time, even before a surgical procedure, knee strength likely has been compromised. The nature of surgical procedures also impact the strength level associated with the part of the body subject to the surgery.
Due to the impact the preexisting condition has had on knee strength, coupled with the effects of surgery itself, a major way physical therapy helps after an operation is increasing knee strength. As is the case with strength enhancement, the process starts gradually following the surgical procedure.
In most cases, a patient will be encouraged to start walking (at least for a short distance and for a short amount of time) within a day after a knee surgery if he or she physically is able to do so.
Enhances Knee Flexibility and Mobility
Another way in which physical therapy helps following knee surgery is enhancing flexibility and overall mobility. As is the case with loss of strength, a person with a knee related condition that requires surgery likely has endured at least some period of time in which his or her flexibility and mobility was limited or impaired. In addition, surgery also impacts flexibility and mobility by its very nature. This particularly is the case if the surgical process involves some type of knee replacement element.
Another way that physical therapy helps following knee surgery is that it enhances both flexibility and mobility. Indeed, therapy designed to increase strength and therapy intended to enhance flexibility go hand in hand, one complimenting the other.
Professional Recommendations
The key to maximizing the help that can be ascertained from physical therapy following knee surgery is to be absolutely certain to follow the advice and recommendations made by the surgeon and physical therapist. A physical therapist is experienced at designing a professional treatment regimen to maximize the benefits of that post-operative therapy.
