Reclaiming your mobility and improving your quality of life with a total or partial knee replacement can be a difficult decision. At Swift Surgeries, we encourage all our patients to educate, evaluate, and engage in research and conversation with experts before choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery. We provide a plethora of educational content through seminars, videos, and handbooks. Our team believes the most important person in the decision-making process is the patient. They are the most valuable, knowledgeable and in-tune person with their own body. Once the decision has been made to select our team, Swift Surgeries, as your joint replacement specialist, the conversation about the process begins.
We will walk you through step by step, answering all questions, and providing extensive education throughout. After surgery, the journey to recovery may seem daunting, so having a solid plan can make all the difference. Our team is committed to seeing our patients through a full recovery which includes immediate follow-up appointments including daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and decade post operative appointments.
Understanding Your Surgery
Before diving into recovery strategies, it’s essential to understand what happens during a partial or total knee replacement surgery. The procedure is calculated using pre-operative X-rays, inoperative X-rays, and post-operative X-rays. In addition, Dr. Molli utilizes state-of-the-art technology, scientifically proven methods, and top-of-the-line implants. The process for each individual will vary, but the attention to detail, level of expertise, and precision remain the same. Each patient is treated with the utmost respect, care, treatment and approach. Dr. Molli utilizes inoperative X-rays to ensure each joint replacement is precisely placed and as humanly possible as close to what God provided you with. For more information on the surgery or process, please contact one of our Swift Surgeries experts, or complete the consultation form on our website at swiftsurgeries.com.
The Immediate Post-Operative Phase
Days 1-3: During Your Home Recovery or Hospital Stay
- Pain Management: Your pain can be controlled with prescribed medications. Our team will proactively collect your current medication list and cross-check for any potential issues with post-operative medications typically prescribed. Our team will have your post-operative medications ready for you following your operation.
- Physical Therapy: Our post-operative protocol for physical therapy is extremely successful and has allowed many of our patients to return to normal activities of daily living within 3-6 months. Physical therapy for our patients begins at 3 months. At-home exercises are provided for patients to begin after a few days post operatively, but the doctor will not advise patients to engage in a full physical therapy program until at least 3 months.
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your leg elevated to minimize swelling. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with getting around. Patients are strongly encouraged to remain in full rest for at minimum, the first three days postoperatively. Patients should keep the surgical leg above the heart and should not overexert the operative knee.
Key Tips for this Stage
- Stay ahead of your pain relievers; don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable before taking your meds.
- Utilize ice packs to reduce swelling: apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Follow the post-operative protocols provided in the Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook.
- Contact our 24/7 helpline with any questions or concerns, no matter how small!
Transitioning Home
Days 4-14: Adjusting at Home
Now that you’re home, focus on continuing your recovery in a safe environment.
- Mobility Aids: Continue using walkers, crutches, or a wheelchair as needed. Remove tripping hazards at home. Oftentimes, we suggest having someone stay with you for the first 7-10 days after returning home. It is imperative to have someone with you for at least the first 36 hours post-operatively. If you cannot have someone with you, our team can assist in adjusting your post-operative care.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Follow the structured program provided in your Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook. Exercises should focus on increasing range of motion and strength gradually, as your body allows. It is imperative to use caution when performing your at-home exercises to avoid overuse and overexerting the joint.
- Nutrition: Maintain a well-balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing. For questions about what proper nutrition should look like postoperatively, our Wellness Institute can aid in providing meal plans, alternative exercises, and lifestyle adjustments.
Strengthening Phase
Weeks 2-6: Building Mobility and Strength
As the joint continues to heal, your rehab and physical therapy will progress. It’s important to listen to your body, and not rush into progression. Remember, it takes a full year for your joint replacement to be as healed as it can be.
- Increase Activity: Your physical therapy exercises will progress including standing exercises and possibly 1-3 at a time stair climbing.
- Ice and Elevate: Don’t stop using ice and elevation during this phase to manage swelling after exercises.
- Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-ups with your surgeon to monitor progress. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team at any time during your recovery.
Return to Daily Activities
Weeks 6-12: Resuming Life
As you grow stronger, you will notice marked improvements in your daily activities.
- Driving: Depending on your recovery and physician’s advice, you might return to driving—it often takes about 6-8 weeks. If you had surgery on your dominant driving leg, it will most likely be longer before you are cleared to return to driving.
- Light Household Tasks: You may find yourself able to begin doing small household tasks during this time. It is important to progress slowly and avoid overuse of the joint.
- Exercise: You may be permitted by your physician to begin low-impact activities, such as swimming or biking, but be cautious and listen to your body.
Long-Term Maintenance
Stage: 3 Months & Onward
Once you’ve regained most functions, it’s essential to maintain your newfound mobility.
- Ongoing Therapy: Continue with physical therapy as needed to fine-tune your abilities—discuss ongoing plans with your physician and physical therapist.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for low-impact exercises three to five times a week to strengthen your knee and joints. Adjust this as your body adjusts to the new joint.
- Cold Weather Precautions: Be aware that your knee may be sensitive to weather changes; warmth and movement can help ease discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Your recovery from knee replacement surgery will be unique filled with triumphs and patient progress. Putting the plan developed between our team and you into action and keeping an open line of communication with your care team, you can navigate this journey successfully.
We encourage patients to utilize our Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook to explore essential items you’ll want on hand after surgery. Things such as ice packs, cane or walker, ice pumps, compression shorts/socks, comfortable clothing, and same-floor access to a restroom/sleeping area.
Embrace the gradual recovery process, set small, attainable goals, and relish each stride forward. With diligence, dedication, and care, you’ll soon be on your way to an active and pain-free life. Always remember our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns. Visit SwiftSurgeries.com to schedule your consultation today! Here’s to your health and new beginnings!
