Importance of Physiotherapy after Knee Replacement

Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement) is recommended when other treatment options—such as medications, corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, lifestyle modifications, or physical therapy—fail to alleviate chronic knee pain, deformities, and disability.

Below are some common reasons why knee replacement may be necessary:

1. Severe Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis: One of the most common causes of knee replacement. It occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, leading to pain, swelling, limited mobility, deformity, and functional limitations.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, this damages the joints, cartilage, and bones.

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis can develop after a knee injury, such as a fracture of the thigh or leg bone, or a ligament tear, leading to joint degeneration.

2. Chronic Knee Pain

• When knee pain becomes persistent and severe, affecting daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even non-weight-bearing movements, knee replacement may be required to restore function and alleviate discomfort.

3. Limited Mobility

• If knee pain or stiffness severely limits the ability to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities (such as walking, bending, or squatting), and other treatments like medications or physical therapy are ineffective, knee replacement may be considered.

4. Deformities or Instability

• Severe knee deformities or instability (e.g., bow legs or knock knees) that cause difficulty walking or balancing can be addressed with knee replacement surgery. This helps realign the joint and restore normal function.

5. Loss of Function

• If knee joint damage significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform basic activities such as walking, standing, or using stairs, knee replacement can provide the necessary intervention to regain mobility.

6. Age and Activity Level

• Age alone is not the primary factor in deciding to undergo knee replacement. Older individuals with a sedentary lifestyle may be more likely to have the surgery, but active younger individuals who experience significant pain and functional impairment may also benefit from knee replacement.

7. Injuries or Fractures

• Significant trauma to the knee, such as severe fractures or injuries, may damage the cartilage or bone enough to necessitate a replacement to restore joint function and reduce pain.

Knee replacement is not a complete cure for knee pain but can be considered a crucial step toward achieving pain relief, better function, and improved quality of life.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in optimizing knee function and best results after surgery.

Physical Therapy: Essential for Post-Op Recovery

• Scar Mobilization & Prevention of Scar Tissue Formation: After surgery, the body naturally forms scar tissue (fibrosis) around the incision. While some scar tissue is normal, excessive buildup can restrict movement. Scar mobilization techniques help prevent dense, thick scar tissue, which can limit knee range and flexibility.

• Pain Management: Physiotherapists use various methods such as heat/cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy to manage post-surgery pain and inflammation, aiding in the reduction of discomfort during recovery.

• Restoring Knee Range of Motion: Post-surgery, the knee joint may feel stiff due to muscle spasms. Physiotherapy helps improve flexibility and increase the range of motion by gradually mobilizing, stretching, and strengthening the muscles and tissues around the knee.

• Knee Strengthening: Strengthening the muscles around the knee, especially the Vastus Medialis Obliquus (a part of the quadriceps), as well as the hamstrings and hip muscles, is crucial for stabilizing the joint and improving its function. Physiotherapists will guide patients through exercises targeting these muscles to support the new knee.

• Improving Mobility & Overall Function: Physiotherapists assist patients in regaining the ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities. They will also teach proper walking techniques, ensuring proper weight-bearing on the operated knee, using assistive devices like crutches or walkers, and incorporating exercises to enhance balance and coordination.

• Prevention of Post-Surgery Complications: Physiotherapist-designed exercises help prevent blood clots, stiffness, and other complications that can arise after knee surgery.

• Preventing Joint Stiffness & Pain: Misalignment can cause stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the knee. Improper posture (e.g., slouching, overloading the operated leg) can lead to additional pain, swelling, and long-term issues such as stiffness or misalignment.

Key Posture Tips for Post-Surgery Recovery:

• Standing Posture: Stand with feet about hip-width apart, distributing weight evenly between both legs to reduce strain on the knee and encourage proper spinal alignment.

• Reducing Muscle Imbalance: Proper knee alignment helps the surrounding muscles (especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) function optimally. Misalignment may cause certain muscles to overcompensate, leading to imbalances that can hinder recovery and cause discomfort.

• Strengthening Hip & Core Muscles: Maintaining good posture after knee replacement requires attention to hips and core. Strengthening these areas ensures proper support for the new knee.

• Preventing Overuse of the Unoperated Leg: In early recovery, patients often favor the unoperated leg due to fear of using the new knee. Overuse of the non-operated leg can lead to imbalance and strain. Physiotherapists help gradually shift weight onto the operated leg while maintaining proper posture and alignment.

• Enhancing Function & Movement Patterns: Correct posture and alignment during everyday activities (such as bending, kneeling, or climbing stairs) ensure that the knee functions correctly without unnecessary strain.

  
  

Overall, physiotherapy is crucial to a successful and speedy recovery after knee replacement surgery. It improves mobility and ensures the long-term function of the knee.