Hip and knee joint rehabilitation - Post-operative physiotherapy
Author Gabriella Nagy | 2021.01.15.
One of the cornerstones of successful surgery is proper rehabilitation, a key element of which is professional physiotherapy. Helping the healing process and improving mobility are of paramount importance in the post-operative period. An expert physiotherapist will help you with this.
The most common types of orthopaedic surgery and the hip and knee replacement surgery. The rehabilitation protocol required after such interventions is described in the Gabriella Nagy our physiotherapist-physiotherapist summarised in this blog.
Rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery
In the case of hip replacement, it is of paramount importance to relieve existing restrictions of movement and strengthen the muscles in the preoperative period physiotherapy. At this stage, the patient learns the venous gymnastics exercises and learn about the correct use of aids. This will make it much easier for you to cope with post-operative obstacles.
The first weeks after surgery
In the early post-operative period, it is important to relieve pain and reduce swelling. The operated limb should always be upholstered, wrapped up to the thighs, and iced several times a day. A physiotherapist will help you learn about so-called forbidden movements that can cause dislocation of the prosthesis (i.e. the head of the femur can be dislodged from the joint socket). Forbidden moves: extended leg raising, rotation of the operated limb, sliding beyond the midline, and hip flexion beyond 90 degrees.
Gentle strengthening exercises should be started at an early stage, taking into account the avoidance of prohibited movements. With the help of a physiotherapist, the patient gets on his feet, practises correct walking. The weight-bearing capacity of the operated limb is always determined by the surgeon, depending on the type of prosthesis and the surgical technique.
2-6 weeks after surgery
Between 2 and 6 weeks after surgery, you can more complex exercises are added to physiotherapy. Gradually start to abandon the aid as directed by a specialist. Depending on the patient's condition, the indoor cycling, initially without resistance for about 10-15 minutes.
6 weeks after surgery
Between about weeks 6-12 the so-called functional training exercises can be started, which no longer focus only on strengthening the muscles around the operated hip, and it is recommended to start swimming also (backstroke, freestyle).
The functional exercise routine is set up by a physiotherapist, based on the patient's condition and capacity. The aim of the rehabilitation is to strengthen the muscles around the hips and the trunk muscles, to relieve the restrictions of movement and to develop a correct gait pattern.
The aim and outcome of rehabilitation physiotherapy
During rehabilitation, physiotherapy can be complemented by a range of additional treatments: TAPE treatment, flossing, soft tissue manual therapies, if necessary lymphoedema therapy.
Rehabilitation lasts 6-12 months, depending on the individual. With the right programme, the patient can move again pain-free and freely after hip replacement.
Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery
In the case of a knee replacement, already in the pre-operative period it is extremely important to relieve any existing restrictions in movement, and to strengthen the muscles stabilising the knee joint with targeted physiotherapy. It is advisable to use various aids training in the use of. This makes it much easier for the patient to start rehabilitation after surgery.
The first 6 weeks after surgery
After the operation, the operated limb can be loaded according to the specialist's instructions, depending on the type of prosthesis. Practising walking correctly with the help of a physiotherapist. The duration of the period of unloading or partial unloading is always determined by the operating doctor. During this period gentle, gradual movement of the joint begins. This can be done with a passive knee exerciser or with active physiotherapy exercises. It is important to achieve full stretching as soon as possible. Flexion is rotated to the point of pain.
After the operation swelling of the knee joint in the initial period, which is treated by icing, woodworking, shelving can be kept under control. Physiotherapy exercises initially focus on the muscles around the hip and knee joints. Later, as the limb becomes able to bear full body weight, we move on to more complex functional training exercises, which also work the core muscles. When setting up the rehabilitation training, the physiotherapist takes into account the patient's age, ability to cope with the workload.
From the 6th week after surgery
After the end of the no-loading period, the aids can be gradually phased out - between about 6-12 weeks after surgery. As long as the overall gait pattern is not correct, i.e. there is a limp, it is advisable to use the assistive device until it is no longer needed. The duration of the walks is increased every day, always depending on the individual's ability to carry the load.
In addition to the targeted physiotherapy exercises, the use of indoor cycling is recommended to accelerate muscle conditioning and swimming (speed swimming, backstroke) is also a great way to strengthen your body. Of course, these movements should be started after the wound has healed and you can walk unaided.
The aim and effectiveness of rehabilitation physiotherapy
The effectiveness of rehabilitation is influenced by many factors: the pre-operative knee joint motion restriction, the condition of the muscles, the early post-operative period (whether there was a wound infection), the patient's motivation, regular exercise, the therapist's work, and individual capabilities.
During rehabilitation, physiotherapy can be complemented by a range of additional treatments: TAPE treatment, flossing, soft tissue manual therapies, if necessary lymphoedema therapy. The duration of rehabilitation can be between 3-12 months, depending on individual circumstances.
For hip and knee joint complaints, the BMM's specialist team provides full assistance! Our excellent orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists in cooperation with working to ensure that all our patients regain freedom of movement without pain as soon as possible!
In case of complaints, please contact us! Make an appointment for a specialist examination or physiotherapy by calling +36 (1) 44-33-433.
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