Patient Education: Knee Replacement

Hospital Recover and Rehabilitating After Knee Replacement Surgery

Before knee replacement surgery, the patient’s problem knee probably kept them from doing many activities. The decision to replace a painful knee is the first step toward regaining control of your life. The next step is to strengthen the replacement knee so one can return to an independent and active lifestyle. Every patient will have a different program and your doctor can give you a list of home exercises that will best suit you and your new knee. 

Once you are out of the hospital and in your own familiar setting, it is easy to return to old habits. It is important that you continue to follow your doctor’s instructions and that you continue to exercise. To avoid injuries always think before you move and become more aware of the possible hazards in your home. You may want to have your living space rearranged and / or cleared to avoid falls and to make it easier to get around. It is also important that you use handrails on stairs and wear low -heeled shoes. Even though your home setting is different from the hospital, use the same technique and precautions that you learned at the hospital and be sure to keep your knee in a safe position whether you are resting, exercising, walking, sitting, or standing.

The key to a full recovery and becoming independent is to stick with your recovery program and work at is consistently. Whatever your goals are, you can reach them by mastering one step at a time. Make a commitment to going a little further with each new step you take!

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