Having your knee replaced is a major surgery, and after a big operation most patients want to do everything in their power to help their rehab along and regain some semblance of normalcy in their life. There are a number of different factors that can increase or decrease your likelihood of making a full recovery after a knee replacement operation, and today we’re going to highlight these factors so you can have more control over your recovery.
What Factors Increase Rehab Success After Knee Surgery?
When it comes to rehabbing after knee replacement surgery, there are some obvious and not-so-obvious factors that influence your recovery success. We highlight both types of factors below.
- Adherence To Doctor Recommendations – You’ve heard the old saying that “doctor knows best,” and in this case you should absolutely believe that adage. Follow your doctor’s instructions as it pertains to your rehab. If they say to perform physical therapy daily, make sure you do your exercises. If they want you to avoid manual labor for a certain amount of time, don’t head back to work before getting clearance. Adhering to your doctor’s instructions is key for making a swift recovery after knee replacement surgery.
- Your Surgeon And The Surgical Technique – Who you choose for a surgeon also impacts your rehab timeline and likelihood of success. Dr. Botero uses a surgical technique that involves less cutting of nearby soft tissues so there is less healing that needs to take place. When it comes to picking out a surgeon, make sure you have one that can preserve as much healthy tissue as possible with their precision and skill.
- Your Goals – We’ve also found that patients with clear goals tend to put forth more effort into their rehab and recovery. Regardless of whether you want to be able to bike 20 miles or just walk up and down the stairs without pain, work with your care team and physical therapist to establish some goals. Focus on these goals and use them as motivation to help fuel your recovery.
- Staying Active – Don’t use your surgical operation as a reason to sit on the couch all day. Yes, your knee and the surrounding tissues are recovering, but they also need to strengthen, and you do that by moving the joint. Do your exercises and get up and move around to help push healthy blood through your system. Lying in bed for weeks isn’t going to help you have the fullest recovery possible.
- Your Support System – It’s also good to have a healthy support system to fall back on when rehab gets rough. There will be days when pain levels are worse or when you’re lacking the motivation to get up do your therapy exercises. Having friends or family members who will be there to help you through the more challenging aspects of your rehab can really help keep your recovery on track.
- Infection Prevention – Finally, it’s important to work to prevent an infection from derailing your rehab. Dr. Botero carefully disinfects the surgical site prior to closing the incision, but you should also follow good surgical scar care guidelines. Clean the site and change your dressing as recommended, and call your doctor if you believe you’re dealing with the beginning stages of an infection. Symptoms include discharge, fever, warmth at the incision site or swelling that does not resolve.
For more tips on how to thrive during your knee replacement recovery, or for more information about total knee replacement, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
