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Knee Replacement - Getting Prepared
Joint Replacements | Last Active: May 22, 2023 | Replies (49)Comment receiving replies
I wanted to know if there is pre-physical therapy needed prior to my surgery.
Replies to "I wanted to know if there is pre-physical therapy needed prior to my surgery."
Hello @sunburned2020, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that we have moved your post to an existing discussion - Knee Replacement - Getting Prepared so that you can meet other members who can share their experience.
I had my right knee replaced a year ago in April and upon the recommendation of my Mayo Clinic care team did pre-surgery exercises that they recommended. I believe the pre-surgery exercises along with post surgery exercises made my recovery much easier.
Mayo Clinic's Approach to Knee Arthritis – Both Surgical … – YouTube
— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mk9GZ7-Dz8
The FAQs of Knee Replacement Surgery with Dr. Ortiguera – Mayo Clinic
— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKLNfnKgjNI&index=16&list=PL3A5R5osulIQxfgSwCDqVuTtOJXnKnDT-
Here are some of the pre-surgery knee exercises that I found and used most of them for about 3 to 4 weeks prior to my surgery:
https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/health-library/patient-education/total-knee-replacement/preparing-for-surgery/before-surgery-knee-exercises
Do you already have your knee replacement surgery scheduled?
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Hi, @sunburned2020 I have had two TKRs and before the second one I asked my orthopedic surgeon about pre-surgery physical therapy. He asked if I was doing any exercises then. I was, both water exercises/jogging and riding my recumbent bike. He said that was perfect, that pre-PT would do no more than that, so if you have a bike, ride it, and if you can go to a pool which is probably not possible due to the current situation, then water jog. He likes both of these because there is no impact.
After the TKR he wanted me to do my bike for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, skipping two consecutive days for rest and recovery.
Every doctor does tend to have their own opinions and preferences though so you should check with your doctor to see if he feels those would be helpful for you. My doctor is very highly regarded but he does have some different opinions than some other orthopedists. He does not want the patient to ice after the TKR because ice prevents healing blood from getting to the wound to help heal it, and he only wants gentle PT.
JK