• 5500 Merrick Road, Massapequa, New York 11758
  • 111 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758
Physical Therapy in Massapequa

Physical Therapy For Knee Replacement

For those who have osteoarthritis, fractures or any other bone diseases in the joints of the knee, a total knee replacement (TKR) is an option that many people may take. TKR is the process of removing the bones of the knee joint that are causing arthritic pain. These bones, whether it is the tibia, the thigh bone or femur, are usually replaced with an artificial material to fill the void left. However, these types of procedures take a lot of time to heal from and require the most precise and proper care. To ensure you get the best treatment, a skilled physical therapist in Massapequa is a great option to consider!

 

How Can I Recover?

Immediately following surgery, it’s good to take it easy and begin slow steps in your progression of healing. Here are some tips to follow after your surgery:

 

The First Couple of Days

  • Get proper support – after a procedure as serious as a TKR, you’re legs will not have the same strength as they did in the beginning. Acquiring a walker or crutch will allow you to have the support you need to slowly build back your leg’s durability.
  • Light exercises – simple exercises are great ways to build up your endurance and range of motion in your knee. Squeezing your glutes or pumping your ankles can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis, which is when blood pools in your body.

 

The First Two Weeks

  • After a couple of weeks, your range of motion and stability will have gradually improved since the operation. At this point, physical therapists will still be going through exercises to improve your condition, such as walking up and down the stairs with a supportive crutch.
  • A physical therapist in Massapequa may also begin to perform scar tissue massage and mobilization to improve the maneuverability. A goal of massages and exercising is to be able to bend your knee to a 90-degree angle after two weeks.

 

After Six Weeks

  • Stationary bikes – many TKR patients prosper from riding stationary bikes. As a great tool for rebuilding leg flexibility, stationary bikes may be difficult the first couple of tries. However, gradually increasing your exercise habits on the bike will benefit your recovery.
  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation – also known as NMES, this method improves the activation of your quadricep muscles by contracting them; building up your ability to use them again.

 

After Two Months

After spending two months with a physical therapist in Massapequa, you should be able to walk on your own without the aid of a physician or a device. Although, it’s important to make sure your knee is constantly active and that you’re keeping track of how your knee is functioning.

While every person is different, a physical therapist can certainly help you recover from any surgery like a TKR and give you the confidence to act out your daily life. Park Physical Therapy has the staff and resources to make your recovery as fast as possible.

 

For more information, contact us today!