Total Knee Replacement

The knee is the most common joint that is replaced and the number of total knee replacements performed each year is continuing to increase. Following a knee replacement, patients have swelling, difficulty bending and straightening their knee and muscle atrophy.

Physical therapy will focus on regaining your range of motion (i.e., your ability to extend and bend your knee), improve your strength in the muscles around the knee, reduce swelling and address any impairments at neighboring joints such as your hips and feet. Further, we may work on gait/balance training to improve walking/stair quality and to reduce the risk of a fall. 

While we strive to improve everyone’s strength, range of motion and walking quality to peak levels, specific considerations will be made based on unique individual circumstances. For example, if you love to hike, special training will help prepare you for walking on unlevel surfaces.

References:

1. Bartholdy, Cecilie et al. “A Standardized “Rescue” Exercise Program for Symptomatic Flare-Up of Knee Osteoarthritis: Description and Safety Considerations.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Vol. 46, No. 11, 2016, pp. 942-946. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6908.
2. Lin, Da-Hon et al. “Efficacy of 2 Non-Weight-Bearing Interventions, Proprioception Training Versus Strength Training, For Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Vol. 39, No. 6, 2009, pp. 450-457. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2009.2923.
3. Meier, Whitney et al. “Total Knee Arthroplasty: Muscle Impairments, Functional Limitations, And Recommended Rehabilitation Approaches.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Vol. 38, No. 5, 2008, pp. 246-256. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2008.2715.
4. Teo, Pek Ling et al. “Identifying and Prioritizing Clinical Guideline Recommendations Most Relevant To Physical Therapy Practice For Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Vol 49, No. 7, 2019, pp. 501-512. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2019.8676.

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