Knee prosthesis. Recovery time at home

In order for the knee replacement intervention to be successful, and for the patient to recover the maximum capacity of the joint, it is highly important that patients correctly carry out all the instructions and care recommended by the surgeon and physiotherapist.

Among the care and instructions to be taken into account during recovery at home, there are three aspects that should be particularly emphasised.

The patient must take care of the wound to mainly prevent infection: the dressing must be changed daily, following the indications given at the hospital, and the medication prescribed by the surgeon must be continued.

The wound will be sutured with stitches or staples. These will be removed several weeks after the knee replacement surgery. Until then, and even until the scar is completely dry, the patient should avoid immersing or excessively wetting the wound.

Although bandages are not necessary, it is recommended to place one to avoid irritation caused by clothing or when sleeping.

It is important to follow a balanced diet after this surgery, even though you may not have an appetite for a few weeks after the intervention. Your surgeon may prescribe dietary supplements, such as iron supplements, to help with healing of the surgical wound as well as recovery of muscle strength.

Physical activity is a key element in recovery after knee replacement surgery, especially during the first few weeks at home post- surgery. Patients should include in their routine the exercises explained by the doctor or physiotherapist, since as regularly these exercises are performed, the shorter the recovery time will be. 

It is generally recommended to start walking as soon as possible after the intervention, in order to strengthen the knee muscles, to prevent atrophied muscles and deformity. 

Generally, daily activities can be resumed in 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.

The physical exercise programme for recovery at home should include:

• A gradual programme of short walks to increase the patient's mobility. Initially, walks should be taken indoors, and after a few days, the activity should be started outdoors.
• Specific exercises defined by a physiotherapist with the aim of recovering movement in the joint as well as strengthening it. The exercises can be carried out by the patient, although sometimes you can go to a rehabilitation centre where they will help you in your recovery. Read more here
• Returning to everyday activities such as sitting, standing or climbing stairs is vital to strengthen the joint after knee replacement surgery.

In the videos below you will find different tips and exercises to practise after total knee replacement surgery:

First phase of knee prosthesis rehabilitation

This first video shows the exercises and recommendations to be followed by patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery during the first phase of their rehabilitation/recovery at home during the first 21 days after the surgery. 

Although what is indicated in these videos is carried out by professionals, it is always advisable to contact a professional physiotherapist to help you with your rehabilitation in a personalised way.

Second phase of knee prosthesis rehabilitation

This video shows the exercises and recommendations to be followed from the third week of recovery at home. These exercises are designed to cover the period from day 21 to 45 after the surgery. It is important to be patient during rehabilitation, as it is a long process and if it is followed carefully, the better the mobility of the joint after rehabilitation will be.

Third phase of knee prosthesis rehabilitation

This video talks about the exercises and tips to follow during the time between day 45 and 90 of rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery. The physiotherapist shows directly how to carry out these exercises, which will help the patient to carry them out correctly.

If you are considering having surgery for your knee problems, do not hesitate to request a free surgical assessment consultation with one of our specialists by clicking below: