Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is one of the most performed procedures in the UK, especially for those with severe osteoarthritis, knee deformities, or previous traumatic injuries. Around 100,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the UK, with the numbers steadily increasing as the population ages.
In knee replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The surgery aims to alleviate pain and improve function. While the surgery itself provides a life-changing solution to chronic knee pain, the recovery process is equally crucial.
Physiotherapy is essential post-surgery to reduce swelling, restore movement, and improve muscle strength around the knee. Research shows that patients who engage in physiotherapy after knee replacement experience less pain and are more likely to regain full function.
How Physiotherapy Helps After Knee Replacement Surgery
- Restoring Range of Motion
One of the first goals of post-operative physiotherapy is to restore the knee’s range of motion. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises aimed at improving flexion and extension of the knee, which is crucial for activities like walking, climbing stairs, and bending.
- Strengthening Muscles Around the Knee
Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles is essential after knee replacement surgery. Physiotherapists use targeted exercises to rebuild the strength and stability of the knee joint, ensuring that the muscles can properly support the new joint and reduce strain on the knee.
- Reducing Swelling and Pain
Swelling is common after knee replacement surgery, but it can be managed through manual therapy techniques and targeted exercises that promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. Physiotherapists also use modalities such as ice therapy to reduce swelling and pain.
- Improving Balance and Coordination
After knee replacement, patients may experience some instability or difficulty balancing. Physiotherapy interventions focus on improving your balance through specific exercises designed to improve proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement and position), which is essential for walking and avoiding falls.
- Gait Retraining
Many individuals struggle to walk properly after knee surgery due to altered mechanics and muscle weakness. Physiotherapists work with patients to retrain their gait, focusing on normal walking patterns and avoiding compensatory movements that could lead to long-term issues.
- Preventing Complications
A well-structured physiotherapy program can reduce the risk of complications, such as blood clots, infections, and joint stiffness. By ensuring that the knee is regularly moved and exercised, physiotherapists help patients heal faster and with fewer complications.
Long-Term Benefits of Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement
The benefits of physiotherapy go beyond the immediate recovery phase. In the long term, physiotherapy helps to ensure that the knee remains strong, functional, and pain-free. Patients who adhere to their physiotherapy regimen are more likely to return to their previous level of activity, whether that’s walking, running, or participating in sports.
In the UK, research indicates that individuals who engage in physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery report a significant improvement in their quality of life, with increased mobility and reduced pain.
Final Thoughts
Knee replacement surgery can provide immense relief from chronic knee pain, but physiotherapy is crucial for ensuring the best possible recovery. If you are preparing for knee replacement surgery or are in the post-operative phase, physiotherapy can help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
For more information and to book your physiotherapy appointment, please contact us at 0330 335 1016 or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you promptly.