Due to the effective contributions of medical science, knee replacement surgery has become a safe and comfortable option to let you experience your old life again. When did your total knee replacement surgery get completed or are you here as your surgery date is around the corner? Whatever the reason, being familiar with the recovery timeline after this surgical procedure is crucial. Usually, the surgeons ensure that you will be back to normal life approximately one month after the surgery, allowing you to perform low-impact activities such as cycling or walking. The truth is, the total recovery timeline depends on your specific knee condition, as each individual’s body is built differently; some heal fast, while others may progress towards healing slowly. The inclusion of rehabilitation therapy is what makes most recoveries successful, allowing you to be back on your knees on your own. This blog explains the total twelve weeks after the surgery, including your recovery process and the role of physical therapists, so continue reading.
The healing starts on the first day after your surgery is completed!
Usually, when your total knee replacement surgery is completed, that very day, rehabilitation begins, allowing you to move your knees gradually instead of resting and doing no movements. Before your discharge, your physical therapist would train you regarding the specific knee exercises and how to walk with the canes or walkers. Such guidance is crucial and should be followed right after you reach your home safely.
The first week should be more careful!
After you reach your home, ensure you reduce your dependency on walkers and canes gradually by stretching your knee. Gait training and other knee exercises provided by our physical therapist can work like magic in reducing pain and discomfort. Also, make sure that if you start feeling pain while doing exercises, then stop it right there and immediately give a call to your healthcare provider regarding this.
Slight relief starts by the third week!
As you enter the third week, you might experience a slight difference in walking and standing. Continue with your knee exercises and start using the walkers against your newly implanted knee in order to avoid dependency on them. It has been observed that most individuals have reduced their dependency on walkers and canes by walking independently. Also, don’t get in the habit of resting and sitting for too long, as it might impact your knee implants.
Back to normal activities by the fourth or sixth week!
After a whole month of the surgery, you can finally start witnessing the visible results in terms of walking and doing normal activities like before. There will be a significant reduction in joint inflammation, which is a good sign indicating your better recovery after the surgery. By this time, you can even go on longer walks without depending on walkers and canes, making you feel independent again. If you do a desk job, then you can continue your job by being extra careful at the workplace; the same goes for driving after the surgery.
From the seventh to twelfth week, you’ll witness proper recovery!
The most awaited time is here! You will finally start feeling better and can even turn your knee into a specific angle, along with performing high-impact activities as well. If you love cycling in the evening, then you can do that by this week; the same goes for swimming. Make sure to do mini squats this week as well, improving your knee mobility and strength again.
The Final Comments!
Summing up all the above-mentioned points, you might have understood the complete recovery timeline after the total replacement suggested. By being extra careful and attentive in the initial weeks, avoiding extra pressure on the knee implants, you can feel measurable relief. Following the specific knee exercises provided by your physical therapists can bring you closer towards your old life again. A quicker and more rapid recovery can be possible if you opt for the MISSO robotic knee replacement system, in which the experts at Kalyan Hospital are proficient! Certainly, have a word about this with our expert, Dr. Rajinder Singh, and they’ll guide you effectively regarding this.
FAQs
- What is the right sleeping position after knee replacement surgery?
You can sleep straight while lying on your back and placing a pillow under your ankle and calf to keep the knee implant in a safe position.
- Is it possible to go back home the same day after robotic knee replacement surgery?
Yes, you can go back home after the robotic knee replacement surgery the same day, take a rest and follow a better lifestyle.
