Getting A New Knee? What to Expect and Some Exercises to Get You Ready!

physical therapist working on range of motion with a patient who just got a total knee joint replacement

Achieva Rehabilitation's In-Home PT Program: Your Guide to Recovery After Knee Replacement

Hello, I'm Joel J. Digris, a Physical Therapist with Achieva Rehabilitation. If you are preparing for or recovering from knee replacement surgery, our in-home physical therapy program is designed to help you achieve a full recovery with an excellent range of motion. Let’s walk through the pre-surgery exercises you should be doing and what you can expect from your rehabilitation process after surgery.

Prehab: Essential Exercises Before Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparing your body before surgery, also known as prehabilitation (prehab), can significantly improve your post-surgery recovery. Here are some key exercises to help strengthen your knee and surrounding muscles:

1. **Quadriceps Sets**:

- **How to do it**: Sit with your leg extended. Tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh, pushing the back of your knee down towards the floor. Hold for 5-10 seconds and release.

- **Repetitions**: 10-15 times, 2-3 times a day.

2. **Heel Slides**:

- **How to do it**: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Slowly slide your heel towards your buttocks as far as you can, then straighten your leg again.

- **Repetitions**: 10-15 times, 2-3 times a day.

3. **Straight Leg Raises**:

- **How to do it**: Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight. Lift the straight leg to the height of the bent knee, hold for a few seconds, and lower it slowly.

- **Repetitions**: 10-15 times for each leg, 2-3 times a day.

4. **Seated Marches**:

- **How to do it**: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lift one knee towards your chest as high as comfortable, then lower it and repeat with the other leg.

- **Repetitions**: 10-15 times for each leg, 2-3 times a day.

5. **Hamstring Curls**:

- **How to do it**: Stand holding onto a chair for balance. Bend your knee, bringing your heel towards your buttocks, then slowly lower it back down.

- **Repetitions**: 10-15 times for each leg, 2-3 times a day.

Engaging in these exercises before surgery helps to strengthen the muscles around your knee, making your recovery smoother and potentially faster.

#### Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: What to Expect

After your knee replacement surgery, our in-home rehabilitation program is designed to provide you with personalized care and support. Here’s what you can expect:

1. **Initial Assessment**:

- Within the first few days after your surgery, one of our experienced physical therapists will visit your home to perform a comprehensive assessment. This will help us understand your current mobility, pain levels, and specific needs.

2. **Customized Rehabilitation Plan**:

- Based on your assessment, we’ll develop a tailored rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring your knee's range of motion, strength, and functionality. The plan will progress gradually to ensure safe and effective recovery.

3. **Regular Home Visits**:

- Our therapists will visit you 2-3 times a week to provide hands-on guidance and support. This ensures that you receive frequent, personalized attention and that your progress is closely monitored.

4. **Exercise Routine**:

- Your personalized exercise routine will include a mix of strengthening, flexibility, and functional exercises, such as:

- **Range of Motion Exercises**: Gentle bending and straightening of the knee to prevent stiffness and improve mobility.

- **Strengthening Exercises**: Exercises like heel slides, quad sets, and seated marches to gradually build strength without overloading the joint.

- **Functional Activities**: Practicing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs to restore independence.

5. **Pain Management and Education**:

- We provide education on pain management techniques, proper movement patterns, and strategies to avoid complications. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills to manage your recovery effectively.

One of the significant advantages of our in-home PT program is that you can achieve full recovery without needing to visit a brick-and-mortar clinic. All necessary exercises and treatments can be performed at home, making it convenient and comfortable for you. This approach ensures you receive personalized care and attention, leading to a better than average range of motion and overall recovery.

At Achieva Rehabilitation, we are here to support you every step of the way. If you are preparing for knee replacement surgery or have recently had surgery, our in-home PT program is designed to help you achieve a smooth and effective recovery.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. Let’s work together towards your recovery goals!