From the Guidelines
Exercise is crucial after knee joint replacement surgery to prevent stiffness, reduce swelling, and improve functional outcomes. Physical therapy and exercise are essential components of recovery, typically beginning within 24 hours after surgery 1. Initially, patients work on gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to walking with assistive devices like walkers or crutches. A standard rehabilitation program includes exercises to improve knee flexibility, strengthen surrounding muscles (particularly quadriceps and hamstrings), and restore normal walking patterns.
Key Components of Rehabilitation
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings
- Restoration of normal walking patterns Most patients follow a structured program for 6-12 weeks, with exercises performed daily at home and regular sessions with a physical therapist. Common exercises include straight leg raises, knee extensions, heel slides, and eventually stationary biking and walking.
Importance of Early Mobilization
Early mobilization can improve early phase knee flexion and extension range of motion without compromising knee laxity, regardless of the graft type used 1. Isometric quadriceps exercises, including static quadriceps contractions and straight leg raises, can be safely prescribed during the first 2 postoperative weeks and confer advantages for faster recovery of knee range of motion without compromising stability.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is crucial because it:
- Prevents stiffness
- Reduces swelling
- Strengthens supporting muscles
- Improves blood circulation (which aids healing)
- Helps patients regain independence in daily activities Without proper exercise, patients risk developing permanent stiffness, weakness, and poor functional outcomes that could compromise the success of the surgery. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the importance of exercise in rehabilitation after knee joint replacement surgery, and exercise should be started as early as possible after surgery to maximize recovery and improve functional outcomes.
From the Research
Importance of Exercise after Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
- Exercise is a crucial component of the rehabilitation process after knee joint replacement surgery, as it helps improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that patients who undergo quantitative rehabilitation training after total knee replacement have better outcomes, including higher Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Scores, improved patient satisfaction, and shorter hospital stays 2.
- Exercise programs that include strengthening and intensive functional exercises, either on land or in water, can help improve physical function and reduce pain in patients after total knee replacement 3, 4, 5.
Types of Exercise Recommended
- Strengthening exercises, such as those that target the quadriceps and hamstrings, can help improve muscle strength and function after total knee replacement 3, 4, 5.
- Aquatic therapy, which includes exercises performed in a pool, can be a beneficial form of exercise for patients after total knee replacement, as it can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility 3, 5.
- Balance training and functional exercises, such as walking and stair climbing, can also be important components of a rehabilitation program after total knee replacement 3, 5.
Benefits of Exercise after Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
- Exercise after total knee replacement can help improve physical function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Regular exercise can also help patients return to their normal activities and sports after total knee replacement, although high-impact activities may need to be modified or avoided 6.
- Exercise programs that are tailored to an individual's needs and abilities can help ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation process after total knee replacement 2, 3, 4, 5.