Knee Rehab Pros

 

 

General Principles: Throughout recovery the main focus is to control edema and regain range of motion. These principles are especially critical during the initial phase of recovery when the knee is recovering from the planned trauma of surgery. Initially, the activity of the patients is limited to accomplish minimizing the time spent with the surgical leg in a dependent position. After the initial phase of recovery the body should be able to handle increased activity and tolerate the surgical leg being in a dependent position (standing, sitting, walking) more often. Once the patient is responding without excessive swelling and demonstrates adequate knee ROM, physical therapy can progress into strengthening and further issues of gait quality. Ultimately, the final phase of rehabilitation is to incorporate high level balance, proprioception, and functional strengthening. The time frames can vary as each patient will react and recover at different rates. Ultimately, the patient’s response with swelling will guide progression through the protocol. 

 

 

 

 

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