Knee Surgery Questions? We Have Answers.

How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?

Recovery from knee surgery will depend on your age, health, the type of surgery, and the care you receive afterward. Typically, physical therapy will take 4-6 weeks, followed by a few months of home or gym-based exercises. The longer you continue your program, the better your outcomes will be. In some cases, physical therapy is needed only for a few visits, followed by a home exercise program.

Is knee surgery very painful?

If answered honestly, people who have had knee surgery will tell you that there is pain involved. The amount of pain you experience is very personal but also based upon the extent of the surgery and how you, as a patient, manage the pain afterward. For example, if you decide to jump back to activity too soon or stop taking your medications early, you will experience more pain than the next person. Following the direction of a physical therapist and your orthopedic surgeon will result in the best possible outcome with the least amount of pain.

Can you walk straight after knee surgery?

Yes. That is the answer. Walking like “normal” is what you and your physical therapist will strive for. Finding the right therapist (like those at Bodywise Physical Therapy in Epping & Stratham, NH) to spend the time and energy getting your walking (gait) right is necessary. Walking straight and correctly after knee surgery can be difficult without professional direction from a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

What is the most common knee surgery?

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, knee arthroscopy (knee scope) is the most common type of knee surgery. Specifically, meniscectomy is the most common type of arthroscopic surgery. Bodywise, Epping and Stratham, NH, see mostly knee arthroscopic surgeries, with total knee replacements being second.

How bad does your knee have to be before knee surgery?

Choosing knee surgery should be a choice that is made after knowing all your options for treatment. Talking with your primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, and physical therapist before choosing surgery is essential. A good doctor will tell you to utilize all conservative options first before going through with surgery. Physical therapy is the number one traditional option and should be tried in addition to other conventional options. A good physical therapist will tell you that your activities of daily living must be impacted in a way that you are not able to accomplish effectively before choosing surgery. There have been many cases at Bodywise where physical therapy has prevented surgery.

Do you need a knee replacement if you are bone-on-bone?

Bone on bone refers to the condition in which the cartilage within the knee joint has deteriorated to the point that the bone is rubbing against other bones in the joint. This serious condition can cause pain, stiffness, and instability in the knee. Knee replacements have been the option for this condition (after conservative treatment) for many years. Now, there are many new and promising options through physical therapy or your orthopedic office in which a total joint can be avoided, and this bone-on-bone condition can be treated. Asking your Doctor of Physical Therapy or your orthopedic surgeon what all your options are is very important.

What is the hardest day after a knee replacement?

You may find this surprising, but the most challenging day after knee replacement is not the day of surgery or the next day. It’s two days after surgery. More motion and activity are expected this day. It is also this day that people decide to reduce their pain medication or attempt to be more active than what is needed. Listening to your surgeon and physical therapist is very important during the first few weeks after knee surgery. They have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people, quickly return to the activities they love. Knowing when to move and when to rest is essential.

Can you kneel again after knee replacement?

According to a study on kneeling ability after knee replacement, the ability to kneel is one of the most challenging things to achieve post-op. Only 30%-40% of people after knee replacement report no difficulty kneeling, making kneeling one of the most difficult outcomes to complete after a knee replacement. A lack of knowledge may be responsible for this. People do not realize that kneeling is OK for most people with a knee replacement. If this is important, you should first consult with your surgeon. Practicing and training your knee for kneeling is the next step with your physical therapist.

What is the downside to knee surgery?

The downside to knee surgery is the risk involved with the actual surgery.  The vast majority of knee surgeries are successful ( greater than 90%) without any complications but they do occur and poor outcomes do happen.  Other downsides to knee surgery are the cost involved and the time needed for recovery.  Utilizing all conservative options prior to surgery can save you a lot of money, time, and the potential for complications.

What is the fastest way to recover after knee surgery?

Recovery is very individual and will vary based on the complexity of the surgery. But in all cases, starting an exercise program prescribed by a licensed physical therapist will result in the fastest recovery of your previous abilities. Trusting your care to a physical therapist (like those at Bodywise Physical Therapy) will be the most efficient way to reduce your pain and quickly return to the activities you love again. It’s important to complete your treatment as advised by your healthcare provider. Failing to do so may result in the reappearance of pain and a prolonged recovery time. To avoid knee surgery, utilize conservative treatment like physical therapy at Bodywise in Epping or Stratham, NH. Please read our 3 Ways to Stop Knee Pain and Avoid Surgery blog.