When may what be done?
In principle, the treatment plan is based on the wound healing phases (see above). At the very beginning, gentle measures are necessary to support the healing process. Only in the late consolidation or organization phase are strong, clearly supra-threshold stimuli introduced to further strengthen the newly formed tissue.It is important to note that despite the expiration of the inflammatory phase, i.e. with a decrease in pain, the tissue is still very susceptible in the proliferation phase (up to day 21) and should not be overused.
It is possible that the wound healing and the load-bearing capacity of an operated structure do not match. Therefore, the doctor’s instructions must always be followed. A cruciate ligament plastic surgery, for example, may still not be stable or be able to withstand stress even after the 21st day.
It is possible that certain movements are restricted and the knee joint may only be bent up to 90° for up to 6 weeks, for example. Such restrictions must of course be observed. At the same time, rehabilitative physiotherapy must consider the consequences of such a restriction of movement. For example, if the knee joint is immobilized in a slightly bent position, it is possible that the extension is subsequently limited and requires special training. Movement and load restrictions must always be observed, even if the patient is perhaps already in an advanced phase of wound healing.
How much physiotherapy is necessary
Physiotherapy after an operation usually takes place daily in the hospital. The therapist can work out an individually adapted treatment plan with the patient. Especially in the acute phase, frequent but short therapy sessions are useful.
As the patient’s resilience increases, he or she can increasingly perform exercises independently. Depending on the clinical picture, a training plan should be discussed with the therapist. Many small training units are often better at the beginning than hard/difficult units.
To avoid overloading, training should always be stopped immediately in the early stages if pain or swelling of the joint occurs. In advanced rehabilitation of the knee joint, strenuous units can also supplement the training. Rest and rest are nevertheless part of successful training and must be observed to give the tissue time to heal and adapt.
After leaving the hospital, follow-up treatment often takes place, in which physiotherapy continues to take place daily or several times a week. Often a physiotherapy prescription is issued “for at home”. For more difficult operations, a follow-up prescription can also be issued.
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