Physical Therapy After Knee Scoping

A knee arthroscopy, commonly referred to as a knee scope, is performed to examine and repair the troubled portion of your knee. This is done by using an arthroscope, which has an attached video camera. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your knee to perform this procedure. The rehabilitation required after this procedure is essential to proper recovery.

Goal of Therapy

• After a knee scope, it is essential to immediately talk with your physical therapist about your rehabilitation options. In most cases you will start physical therapy right away, but in certain cases you may be required to wait a week to begin your rehabilitation. After surgery there may be discomfort in your knee or swelling, and anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribe to reduce or alleviate these symptoms. Your physical therapist will usually start you on non-weight-bearing exercises.
  The overall goal of physical therapy is to regain normal range of motion in your knee, and normal walking patterns, balance, coordination and neuromuscular stability. Therapy will help to control hemarthrosis as well as pain and swelling. With the completion of therapy you should be able to return to all of your daily activities. You may be given in-home exercises to do after your physical therapy sessions are over. After exercising, elevate and ice your leg to reduce the chance of swelling.

Things to Monitor

• After a knee scope, closely monitor your knee to ensure that you are not overly working it. The most important things to monitor are swelling in the surrounding soft tissues or the total swelling of the knee. If you experience hypersensitivity, abnormal pain, or if your lower extremity musculature--such as the hamstring or quadriceps--becomes weak, immediately inform your physical therapist. Also inform your physical therapist or doctor if you feel limited range, or if your walking patterns with or without assistance are abnormal. While exercising your knee, you should feel a gentle stretch. If you are exercising at home and experience any of these signs, discontinue your routine.

Return to Activity

• Your doctor or physical therapist will inform you when it is safe to return to normal or high-level functional activities. When you are being evaluated, your therapist will look for flexibility, endurance and adequate strength. Returning to high levels of activity prematurely may cause pain, swelling, instability or cartilage damage.