Hip and Knee Replacement

Physiotherapy is an important component of your recovery and rehabilitation after surgery. Regaining full range of motion is crucial, especially with knee replacements. Unfortunately, this does not happen on its own. Hands on treatment, daily stretches and range of motion exercises are required to gain the necessary movement in your new joint.

The next thing you need to work on is your strength. After your surgery the muscles around your knee and hip become weak and daily strengthening exercises are required to build this back up.

Working on your mobility/walking is also vital. Often after a joint replacement, it can feel like you are learning to walk again. Your new knee or hip usually benefits from weight bearing through the joint such as standing with weight on your affected leg. Putting weight through your new joint can be painful but your physiotherapist can guide you through the process and wean you off your walker or crutches and get you walking unaided (and maybe even back to being able to run again). Stairs is another daunting activity after a joint replacement for some people. Sufficient strength and range of motion is required to get back to being able to walk up and down the stairs normally, or one step after another.

Finally, a Physiotherapist can provide education on what is safe to do and what movements/activities should be avoided. I would recommend seeing a Physiotherapist once or twice a week and following a home exercise program in between sessions.

If you have not yet had your hip or knee replacement, I would strongly recommend starting a strength, range of motion and cardiovascular program. Being as strong and fit as you can before your operation, or “Prehab”, is an essential part of your recovery after your surgery. Try to get your knee/hip and overall body prepared before the surgery to make activities such as getting out of bed and walking post op easier.

I hope your joint replacement gives you a new lease of life and lets you get back to doing all the things you have longed to do or had difficulty with prior.

Thanks for reading and as always. I welcome any questions.

Nichola O’Ceallaigh

Physiotherapist