3 benefits of seeking physical therapy after knee surgery

If you’re going under the knife for knee pain, you’d be one of thousands just like you. Knee surgeries have become increasingly popular in the U.S. Many older adults undergo knee replacement surgery — at a rate of about 800,000 surgeries per year. However, some of the most common knee surgeries include kneecap surgery, complex knee surgery, and knee replacement (total and partial). These surgeries are most often used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures, ACL tears, meniscus tears and more.

Whatever your cause for knee surgery may be, it’s likely that you’ll need to go to a physical therapist after the procedure to begin recovery. While you might be inclined to believe that you can recover on your own after your surgery, it’s essential that you visit with a professional to obtain the best possible results after your procedure. If you’re going into physical therapy after your surgery, here are some of the top benefits that should affirm your decision for professional aftercare.

What are some benefits of doing physical therapy after knee surgery?

Physical therapy can provide a number of benefits after knee surgery, including:

• Reducing swelling and inflammation — One of the key benefits of going to PT after knee surgery is that it can reduce swelling and inflammation around the knee. Therapists know the exercises that can be performed to reduce the inflammatory response occurring around the knee after surgery and promote decreased swelling.
   
• Decreasing knee pain — Another benefit of going to physical therapy after knee surgery is that it can decrease pain in the knee. When your therapist works to reduce swelling and inflammation, they’re also ultimately reducing the pain associated with inflammation too.
   
• Reducing excess scar tissue — Physical therapy has the capability to reduce scar tissue buildup after surgery. Your body is going to produce excess soft tissue after something as physically traumatic as surgery; even years after surgery, scar tissue can develop. PT can help control the amount that builds up, and regular visits with your physical therapist can ensure that there isn’t any more than necessary so that you can be as comfortable and mobile as possible.

What physical therapy techniques are used after knee surgery?

If you’re hoping to get a better idea of what types of physical therapy techniques you’ll be asked to perform after knee surgery, you can take a look at some of the examples below. Each of these exercises is commonly used during PT to help those with knee problems recover and strengthen their knees. You can look to these to learn about the general exercises you may perform during PT, but it’s ultimately up to your therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan for your recovery.
 

• Leg raises — An example of the exercises you might be asked to perform during PT for knee surgery is leg raises. Your therapist will ask you to lie flat on your back and raise both legs straight in the air slowly. You’ll raise them as high as you can so that you’re making a 90-degree angle with your body. Slowly raise and lower your legs as best you can and repeat as instructed by your physical therapist.
   
• Calf raises — Strong calves can support the knees, which is why calf exercises can benefit you after knee surgery. To perform calf raises, slowly stand on the tips of your toes, hold for a moment, and then slowly release back to a normal standing position. Repeat as instructed.
   
• Quad squeezes — If you’ve recently gone through knee surgery, your physical therapist may ask you to perform quad squeezes. These exercises are designed to strengthen the quadriceps, which can better protect and support the knees. All that’s required during this exercise is for you to lie on your back with your legs on the ground. Tighten your quadricep muscles by squeezing them and holding that squeeze for several seconds before releasing. Repeat as instructed by your physical therapist.

Find effective and affordable physical therapy care after knee surgery from an Alliance PTP partner

Physical therapy is an effective and affordable way to care for your knee after undergoing a major surgical procedure. You just need the right partner to provide it. 

Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has you covered. We can help you find a PT clinic near you that’s staffed with experienced and caring physical therapists. 

Prefer to meet with a physical therapist virtually? We’ve got you covered there, too. 

Reach out to us today so we can help you find the physical therapy that works best for your needs.