Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery

Getting out of bed and walking is an important part of your recovery.

You will start to mobilise with a walking frame and progress to crutches. At first, you may struggle with dizziness and your balance.

You can expect pain and swelling after the operation, this is completely normal!
Early post-operative rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility, strength, flexibility and reducing pain. The physiotherapist will teach you the safe and proper techniques to perform simple tasks related to mobility.

Sleep with a pillow between your knee

sleep
sleep 2
sleep 5
sleep 4
sleep 3

The following are goals to be done independently prior to discharge:

The rehabilitation process helps to enhance your recovery and make activities of daily living easier to manage. You have to work diligently on your own, as well as with your physiotherapist to achieve optimal results. If possible, your physiotherapist will see you for a session before your operation. Post-operative, physiotherapy begins on day 0 (day of the surgery)

1. Transferring in and out of bed.

2. Sit to stand.

3. Walking safely with an assistive device

Walking safely with an assistive device (crutches, walking frame or rollator) Your physiotherapist will advise and prescribe the most appropriate aid. Improper use of the assistive devise can lead to increased risk of accident, injury or dislocation.

4. Stair climbing.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Ankle Pumps Physio Therapy Illustration

Ankle Pumps

(you can start with this on the day of the operation)

  1. This can be done as much as possible (to
    improve circulation)·
  2. With your legs straight, bend both your ankles up and down·
  3. Repeat 20 times
  4. Continue this exercise until you are fully
Isometric Quads

Isometric Quads

(you can start with this on the day of the operation)

  1. Keep both feet drawn up towards you
  2. Tighten the thigh muscles by pressing the back of the knees into the bed
  3. Hold 5-10 seconds, relax
  4. Repeat 10 times
Isometric Quads

Quads Block

  1. Place a rolled up towel under the operated knee
  2. Push the knee into the towel and lift the heel up off the bed
  3. Hold for 5 seconds, relax
  4. Repeat 10 times
Isometric Quads

Heel Slide

  1. Keep your legs straight
  2. Slowly bend your knee and hip by sliding your foot up towards your buttocks while keeping your heel on the bed and your knee-cap pointing upwards
  3. Slide your heel back down to the starting position
  4. Repeat 10 times
  5. Go to the start of resistance/pain in order to
    improve range of motion.
  6. Every day you should be able to bend it a little further.
Isometric Quads

Isometric Glutes

  1. Keep your knees straight
  2. Squeeze both your buttocks together
  3. Hold for 5 seconds, relax
  4. Repeat 10 times
Isometric Quads

Seated Knee Kick

  1. While sitting in a chair, tense your thigh muscles to lift your foot off the floor in a kicking motion until your knee is straight
  2. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower down slowly
  3. Repeat 10 times
Isometric Quads

Sitting Supported Knee Bends

  1. While sitting at your bedside or in a chair
    with your thigh supported, place your foot behind the heel of your operated knee for support.
  2. Slowly bend your knee as far as you can.
  3. Hold your knee in this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
  4. Repeat several times until your leg feels fatigued or until you can completely bend your knee.
  5. This exercise should take 2 minutes.