How to Improve Circulation After Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most invasive and complex surgeries a person can have, and requires a great deal of rehabilitation. For the most part, despite the amount of pain and work that is involved by the patient, knee replacement procedures are hugely successful. One of the more common complications of knee replacement surgery is poor circulation. Knowing some simple steps to improve circulation in the knee can help speed your recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Compression stocking
• Physical therapy

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Instructions

How to Improve Circulation after Knee Replacement

• 1

  Wear your compression stocking until your doctor gives you the okay to take it off. This stocking is made to improve circulation in your bad leg, and wearing it as instructed is critical.

• 2

  Begin physical therapy as soon as possible and maintain regular visits until you are cleared by your doctor to stop. Physical therapists are trained to help you in your healing process, which includes close monitoring of circulation in your legs.

• 3

  Exercise. In order to get the blood flowing and keep it flowing in the replaced knee, you will need to make sure you keep it moving. Physical therapy will assure this, but the home exercises they assign you to do are just as critical.

• 4

  Use hot water to increase blood flow. A great choice is a hot tub---but be sure and get the okay from your doctor first. Your incision must be totally healed and you need to be checked before you expose your replaced knee to any potential bacteria.

• 5

  Increase circulation with aquatic therapy, or exercises in the water. This is an excellent way to increase circulation. You have all the benefits of exercise for the knee, with little to no stress. Again, be sure this is cleared by your doctor before you begin.

• 6

  Get a massage. A professional massage on the muscles above and below the replaced knee as often as you can afford it will greatly improve circulation and increase recovery rate. Even if you do it yourself, massaging the muscles and the flesh is an excellent way to improve circulation.