Knee rehabilitation after surgery is a graded programme of exercises and care that aims to restore the knee's movement, strength and stability after an operation. This guide explains its general stages and what helps it succeed, and Dr. Emeel Hourani gives rehabilitation after surgery particular attention.
Note: These are general steps. Your surgeon and therapist will set a programme for you according to your operation and condition, so follow their instructions and do not skip stages.
When is rehabilitation recommended?
Rehabilitation may be recommended after operations such as:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- Total knee replacement
- Knee arthroscopy
- Treatment of fractures around the knee
Why does rehabilitation matter?
Why is rehabilitation needed?
- Surgery and rest can weaken the muscles around the knee
- Stiffness can develop if the knee is not moved at the right time
- Rehabilitation helps protect the surgical repair
- It prepares the knee to return to daily activity and sport
Assessing progress
At the start of the programme and during it, the surgeon and therapist assess knee movement, muscle strength, swelling and the way you walk. The programme is adjusted as you progress.
Parts of the rehabilitation programme
Non-surgical treatment
Rehabilitation is based on exercise, physiotherapy and daily care, and its details differ by operation.
- Movement and strengthening exercises supervised by the therapist
- Cold packs wrapped in cloth and elevating the leg to ease swelling
- Crutches or a brace if your surgeon recommends them
- Regular home exercises as instructed
- Avoiding movements and loads your surgeon has restricted
Surgical treatment
Rehabilitation is not surgery, but it completes the result of surgery. If a problem such as severe stiffness or instability arises, your surgeon may discuss other options with you after assessment.
Recovery and rehabilitation
The stages usually run as below, and you do not move on until you have passed the one before. Recovery time varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. For athletes, see returning to sport.
- Controlling pain and swelling and protecting the wound
- Restoring knee range of motion
- Strengthening the thigh and leg muscles
- Normal walking and balance exercises
- Exercises for daily activities or sport
- A gradual return to activity as your surgeon advises
When to see the doctor
Contact your surgeon if:
- Pain or swelling clearly increases
- The wound becomes red or hot or discharges, or you have a fever
- The knee stiffens and movement does not improve
- The knee feels like it gives way
- You have pain and swelling in the calf
- You have shortness of breath or chest pain, which is an emergency