Rehabilitation after your surgery plays an extremely important part in making your knee replacement a success. There are some simple rules you can follow to help with your rehabilitation.
Be Careful When You Move
Your physical therapist will start working with you very soon after your surgery. He or she will discuss some important rules for you to follow when moving your body. Here are some you may hear:
- Do not twist your knee
- Turn your entire body to avoid stress on your knee
- Do not impose any jarring forces on your knee
Keep Up With Your Exercises
Be sure to follow the directions of your physical therapist, even when he or she is not there. The more closely you listen to their recommendations, the more successful your rehab will be.
Rest1
It’s very important for you to listen to your physical therapist and to do the exercises they tell you to do. But it’s also important to listen to your body. If you are too exhausted to do the exercises properly, you will not be getting the most out of your physical therapy.
Also, it’s important to get plenty of sleep to help your knee heal after surgery. If you are having problems sleeping, speak to your GP.
Driving
When can you begin driving again? The easy answer is when your surgeon says it’s safe.
Please check with your local driving authority to understand the laws regarding driving a motorised vehicle post op.
Returning to Work
When you can return to work depends on the kind of work you do and when your surgeon feels it is safe.
Returning to an Active Life
One of the great things about knee replacement surgery is that it allows people to become active again and do more of the things they enjoy doing. Speak to your surgeon about physical activities you’d like to take part in. Together you can create a list of activities that will keep you and your new knee healthy.
