How much physical therapy do you have to after a total knee replacement?

After a total knee replacement (TKR), physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. The goal of physical therapy is to help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in your knee. The amount of physical therapy you need will vary depending on your individual needs, but most people will need at least 6 weeks of therapy.

Physical therapy after TKR typically starts 2-3 days after surgery. The therapist will initially focus on helping you reduce pain and swelling, and then gradually progress to more challenging exercises. As your recovery progresses, you will work on strengthening your quadriceps and hamstring muscles, improving your knee flexibility, and restoring your normal gait.

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process after TKR, and it can help you achieve the best possible outcome. By following your therapist's instructions, you can speed up your recovery and return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

Here are some of the specific exercises that you may do during physical therapy after TKR:

* Straight leg raise: This exercise helps to strengthen your quadriceps muscles. Lie on your back with your knee bent and your foot flat on the bed. Slowly straighten your knee until your leg is straight. Hold the position for a few seconds and then slowly lower your leg back down. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

* Hamstring curl: This exercise helps to strengthen your hamstring muscles. Lie on your stomach with your knee bent and your foot flat on the bed. Slowly bend your knee until your heel touches your buttock. Hold the position for a few seconds and then slowly straighten your leg back down. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

* Knee extension: This exercise helps to improve your knee flexibility. Stand facing a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on the wall in front of you and slowly bend your knee until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold the position for a few seconds and then slowly straighten your leg back up. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

* Walking: Walking is an important part of physical therapy after TKR. Start by walking for short distances and gradually increase the distance as your recovery progresses. Walking helps to improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your leg muscles, and restore your normal gait.