What can I expect in an inpatient rehabilitation after knee prosthesis?
Patients remain in the clinic for about 8 – 10 days after the operation until they are discharged into rehab. Even during this time the mobilization of the knee begins. With the physiotherapy the knee is moved.
At the beginning only passively, which means that you do not work with your own muscle power, but that the knee is moved through by the physiotherapist. Within 3- 5 days the wound drainages are removed. During the first 10 days, the first short distances should be covered with crutches, such as the way to the toilet.
In the rehab facility, the patient can expect a specially designed program. Physiotherapeutic treatments usually take place throughout the day. There are also sports activities adapted to the course of the day.
At the beginning it is important that the mobility of the joint is maintained or restored. This takes place by initially passive movements of the knee through physiotherapy. In addition, applications such as lymphatic drainage, massages, knee-cap mobilization, climbing stairs, strength training in the closed chain, as well as occupational therapy methods such as ADL training (tasks of daily life) are offered.
In the 2nd – 3rd week after surgery, full weight bearing is usually allowed, adapted to the pain. Care should be taken when bending (flexion) the knee – a maximum of 110° may be bent and not squatting. Only with a stable and trained muscular apparatus in the knee can it be fully used again later.
At the beginning aqua gymnastics can be helpful, since less force is applied to the knee. Here, however, the wound must already be well closed. The knee can also be well exercised on the bicycle ergometer.
From the 4th week on, it is usually possible to put full weight on the knee. Sports that involve rapid changes in direction or that put strain on the knee will not be found in rehabilitation after knee prosthesis – in general, most sports may be resumed after 3 – 6 months at the earliest.It is important to know that after the rehab usually not complete freedom from pain is reached and the training for the knee and the whole body must not be stopped. The treatment is usually continued with the outpatient physiotherapist.
