The knee is the most common joint that is replaced in the entire body. Initially, after a knee replacement, you will likely deal with some uncomfortable pain and stiffness in the area. Luckily, now that the surgery is over, it’s time to start working towards restoring strength mobility in your knee. Physical therapy in Midtown is designed to regain the strength and mobility your knee needs after knee replacement. 

Right After Surgery 

You may spend a few days in the hospital after your knee surgery. Depending on your condition, you might even go home on the same day. After the surgery, a physical therapist will likely stop by with some information. They will most likely educate you on applying ice, elevating your leg, and using compression wraps to control swelling in the knee area and help with incision healing. 

A physical therapist can teach you breathing exercises to help with relaxing and show you how to properly maneuver and move around after the surgery. They might show you how to walk with crutches and help you with flexibility and strengthening exercises. After that, physical therapy in Midtown is used for personalized exercises and care. 

Post Surgery Recovery 

Physical therapy in Midtown

The first two weeks of knee surgery recovery should be focused on managing pain, decreasing swelling, and healing any incisions caused by the surgery. After those two weeks, physical therapy in Midtown will arrange motions and exercises for your training. 

Physical Therapy Exercises 

For one, doctors recommend walking 20 to 30 minutes two or three times a day. This works to strengthen the knee and slow the development of scar tissue that may reduce your range of motion. Additionally, physical therapists will work with you on exercises that are designed to: 

  • Increase range of motion 
  • Strengthen muscles 
  • Ease pain and swelling 
  • Reestablish joint movements 
  • Promote healing 
  • Increase flow of blood around the knee 

Some exercises you can practice with a physical therapist following a knee replacement surgery include: 

  • Ankle pumps. Pointing and pulling the ankle of the surgical leg by pumping the foot up and down. 
  • Quadriceps sets. Tightening the thigh muscle by pushing the knee down. 
  • Gluteal Sets. Squeezing the buttock together and tightening those muscles. 
  • Heel slides. Bending the surgical knee by sliding the heel towards your back. 
  • Straight leg raises. Tightening the knee on the surgical leg and slowly lifting the leg. 
  • Sitting knee flexion. Sliding one foot back and bending the surgical knee. 
  • Seated knee extension. Straightening the surgical leg in a seated position. 

Physical therapy in Midtown is often a very crucial step in recovery after a knee replacement. It works to regain your ability to do things involved in everyday life activities. Your physical therapist will help you with the exercises when you start, and then you will be able to continue them on your own.  Your situation depends on how long you partake in physical therapy after a knee replacement. However, most patients usually undergo about 3 to 4 weeks of formal physical therapy. 

Physical Therapy in Midtown 

Proper physical therapy designed for your case is very important after healing from a knee replacement. Regaining motion and strength in the knee will be necessary to get back to your healthy lifestyle. H&D Physical Therapy delivers highly skilled therapy with closely monitored personalized care to get you healthy and strong. Contact us today to book your appointment and start your physical therapy care.