Total Knee Replacement-Post-op Instructions

Guidelines after Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Your Knee Replacement is over and now you are on the road to recovery. Please be patient. Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery can be difficult, but it will be worth it. The physical therapy can be painful. It is important to take your pain medication before your therapy.

Please make sure you make an appointment to see me in the office around 6 weeks after surgery.

Exercises

It is important to move your knee as soon as possible after surgery. The reason for early range of motion is to prevent stiffness from scar formation. You must work equally hard on straightening the knee and bending the knee.

Extension (straightening)

Never place anything behind the knee while lying down. Simply place a rolled-up towel underneath the ankle of the operated knee, the push the back of the knee downward. Count to 3 and relax. Repeat 10 times. Do this every hour while awake.

Flexion (Bending)

Knee bent, place the good leg in front of the operated leg. Use the good leg to help push the operated knee back. The goal is to be bending the operated knee to 90 degrees within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.