Knee Surgeon in Pottstown, PA

Recovery from Knee Surgery

When you have knee surgery at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, recovery and rehabilitation is a crucial stage. In this stage, you’ll get back on your feet and return to an active lifestyle.

The 12 weeks following surgery are very important for recovery and rehab. Committing to a plan made by a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, and pushing yourself to do as much as possible each day will help you heal faster from surgery and improve your chances for long-term success.

Read on to learn what to expect during the 12 weeks after surgery and how to set goals for your healing.

Day 1

 Rehabilitation begins right after you wake up from surgery.

Within the first 24 hours, your physical therapist (PT) will help you to stand up and walk using an assistive device. Assistive devices include walkers, crutches, and canes.

A nurse or occupational therapist will help you with tasks such as changing the bandage, dressing, bathing, and using the toilet.

Your PT will show you how to get in and out of bed and how to move around using an assistive device. They may ask you to sit at the side of the bed, walk a few steps, and transfer yourself to a bedside commode.

They will also help you use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, which is a device that moves the joint slowly and gently after surgery. It helps prevent a build-up of scar tissue and joint stiffness.

You’ll probably use the CPM in the hospital and possibly at home, too. Some people leave the operating room with their leg already in the device.

Some pain, swelling, and bruising are normal after knee surgery. Knee Surgeons in Pottstown, PA recommend that you try to use your knee as soon as possible, but avoid pushing yourself too far too soon. Your healthcare team at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania will help you set realistic goals.

What can you do at this stage?

Get plenty of rest. Your PT will help you get out of bed and walk a short distance. Work on bending and straightening your knee and use a CPM machine if you need one.

Day 2

On the second day, you might walk for brief periods using an assistive device. As you recover from surgery, your activity level will increase gradually.

If the knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA used waterproof dressings, you can shower the day after surgery. If they use normal dressing, you’ll have to wait for 5–7 days before showering, and avoid soaking for 3–4 weeks to let the incision heal fully.

Your PT might ask you to use a regular toilet rather than a bedpan. They might ask you to try to climb a few steps at a time. You might still need to use the CPM machine.

Work on achieving full knee extension at this stage. Increase knee flexion (bending) by at least 10 degrees if possible.

What can you do at this stage?

On day two you can stand up, sit, change locations, and use a toilet instead of a bedpan. You can walk a little further and climb a few steps with help from your PT. If you have waterproof dressings, you can shower the day after surgery.

Discharge Day

You will likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery, but this can be a lot longer.

When you can leave the hospital depends heavily on the physical therapy you need, how quickly you are able to progress, your health before surgery, your age, and any medical issues.

By now your knee should be getting stronger and you’ll be able to increase your exercise and other activities. You’ll be working toward bending your knee further with or without a CPM machine.

Your knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA will be shifting you from prescription-strength to lower-dose pain medication. 

What can you do at this stage?

At discharge, you may be able to:

•     stand with little or no help
•     go on longer walks outside your hospital room and rely on assistive devices less
•     dress, bathe, and use the toilet on your own
•     climb up and down a flight of stairs with help

Stay In Touch With Your Medical Team

After being discharged from hospital, please stay in touch with our Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania and have regular check-ups from your knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA to make sure that your knee is staying healthy.