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Do You Need PT With Total Knee Replacement?

Physical therapy (PT) with total knee replacement is essential for a full recovery because pre-surgery knee pain and the pain and swelling after surgery make your knee weak. Exercise is necessary to strengthen your knee so you can resume normal activities.

  1. First Step

    • According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a physical therapist usually sees you the day after your knee replacement surgery and starts showing you how to use and exercise your new knee.

    Initial PT

    • On that first visit, the therapist may fit you with a continuous passive motion exercise machine to slowly and smoothly straighten and bend your knee. This pumping action encourages blood flow in your legs as you lie in bed. You will also begin a series of early post-operative exercises designed to mobilize and strengthen the muscles around the knee and get you ready to leave the hospital.

    Before Going Home

    • According to the AAOS, you may stay in the hospital for three days to seven days. Before you go home, you need to be able get in and out of bed by yourself, bend your knee close to 90 degrees, fully straighten your knee, walk with crutches or a walker on a level surface, climb up and down two or three stairs, and do the prescribed home exercises.

    Home Exercises

    • According to the AAOS, it's often recommended for you to do PT exercises 20 minutes to 30 minutes two or three times a day and walk for 30 minutes two or three times a day during your recovery. These PT exercises may include riding a stationary bicycle and doing several variations of knee bends.

    Duration

    • According to the AAOS, you should do the prescribed PT exercises for at least two months after surgery.

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