Knee surgery post-op rehab: How to ensure a speedy recovery

Recovering from knee surgery does not happen overnight. The timelines and regimens differ from one person to another and depend on several factors. If you are about to undergo surgery, it helps to read and learn as much as you can about what most people experience. Here are a few things you need to know about recovering from knee surgery.\n\nWhat To Do Before The Surgery\n\nBefore the operation, you need to clarify with your surgeon the amount of time you need to recover. Ask them how many days you will need off work and about post-op restrictions or postsurgery physiotherapy you must complete. Your surgeon could tell you how quickly you would need to speak with a physio or what exercises to avoid in the first few weeks.\n\n\n\nSpeak to them about your personal goals and when you can start engaging in moderate physical activities like running. The stronger your knees leading up to you going under the knife, the better your results. If possible, have a physio come up with a recovery plan before the surgery.\n\n \n\nWhat To Do Immediately After The Surgery\n\nRight after the operation, expect your knee to be swollen and painful. Regular icing, elevation, and use of a compression bandage will help. These things help the edema settle down quickly.\n\nSome post-op recovery features remain the same whether you’ve had a minor arthroscopy, an ACL reconstruction, or a knee replacement. Following knee injuries of any kind, the stabilizing quadriceps switch off, which leads to your thigh muscles atrophying. As such, you could experience feelings of instability and weakness. Your patella will also exhibit poor tracking.\n\nAddress these issues through ‘quads setting,’ which activates your quads muscles and gets them back in shape for controlling your knees. First, you need to lie on your back and straighten your operated knee. Then, press the back of your knee to the ground, making sure you tighten your thighs’ front muscles. Hold the position for three to five seconds, relax, and repeat this ten times. Aim for three to four sets of this sequence per day.\n\nThe swelling and pain will also cause you to lose your range of movement. Start motion exercises like bending and straightening your knee early on, so you can regain your range as soon as possible.\n