Know about the four stages of recovery from knee replacement surgery

How long do you think you have to wait to resume regular activities after a knee replacement surgery? Is it a week or a month? Truth is there is no universal answer to this question. There are however certain steps that you can follow to have a quicker recovery and get back on the saddle as soon as possible.

Knee replacement surgery is primarily done to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients. There is a road to recovery after the surgery. Let’s see the four stages of recovery after knee replacement surgery.

• Right after surgery: It is surprising to hear but the recovery process starts right after you’re done with your surgery. Patients may require to stay in the hospital for two to five days after surgery (depending upon single or bilateral knee replacement). The hospital staff will manage with proper medication and initial physiotherapy. This phase kick starts the recovery process.
• Physiotherapy: Your doctor will refer you to a physiotherapist during the hospital stay and after discharge. The physiotherapist has in-depth knowledge of rehabilitation and recovery after surgery. He will work with you to increase your mobility. He might also give you some exercises to do at home so you can do as much as you’re comfortable with.
• At home: Majority of the recovery process will be done at your own home. You are supposed to physiotherapy/exercises in the beginning. You need to focus on balance and stability first. Then you can do simple movements like standing up, sitting down, walking between rooms, etc. You need to ease into your routine life.
• Normal exercise routine: This is the final phase of the recovery process. In this phase, you need to get into a regular exercise regimen and normal physical activity. This phase is recommended after about 8-12 weeks of the surgery. But it is advisable that you do it at your speed. Your joint might not be fully recovered for up to a year after surgery.

These four phases of recovery are not stringent by time. You can stretch or shorten the phase by your comfort level. You need to be prepared after your knee replacement surgery for what to expect afterward. Radiance hospitals not only do the surgery with expertise but also helps patients get back into a normal routine after the surgery with the guidance of a Joint replacement surgeon and physiotherapist. Trust the experts of Radiance hospital for your knee replacement surgery. Contact us to book an appointment.