Knee joint Replacement Rehabilitation in 4 weeks
Parag was waiting at the door and he was worried as his mother did not open the door for long time .He opened the door by using his own key and asked his mother “What happened? Why didn’t you open the door?”
Vrinda Aunty replied” I can’t walk fast .I take time to get up from the bed .My knees are hurting badly.I am really tired of this knee pain. I can’t do cooking as I can’t stand for a long time. I feel very sad as I am totally home bound now.” That is when Parag decided to take his mom to Orthopedic Surgeon to understand about Total Knee Joint Replacement surgery (TKR). Orthopedic Surgeon suggested to go for bilateral TKR and operated her both knees on the same day.
Post-surgery Parag called me to start her rehabilitation program.
Many times, patents are not given the clear idea about post-surgery pain and importance of Knee Joint replacement rehabilitation program, which plays a vital role in making the surgery successful.
Importance of Knee joint Replacement Rehabilitation Program:
Knee replacement rehabilitation is important for the patient, as it ensures complete recovery of the patient. Performing selected sets of exercises after total knee replacement surgery make the patients more flexible, increasing their muscle strength with mobility. With a physiotherapist providing guidance for an exercise program, recovery will be faster ensuring mobility. Strengthening exercises strengthen lower limbs and averts muscle mass loss. This helps patients to regain strength required for toileting, walking and for other activities.
When I met Vrinda aunty on 7th day after operation, her knees were bending only 30 degrees.I designed following program for her by considering her age, health, knee conditions and overall fitness.
Post operation Week Two :I started with following exercises
Results:Knees were bending 90 degrees. Walking pattern (Gait) was improved .She could go down from staircase by support and sit in the car to go for suture (stiches) removal.
Post operation Week three:Next week we focused on strengthening exercises
Results: Knees were bending in 120 degrees and Vrinda Aunty could walk without support.
Post operation Week Four:In addition to variations in the exercises designed for week two and week three , following exercise were added
Results:Knee flexion was more than 120 degrees. She was able to walk without walker confidently. She could climb staircase independently .Muscle strength was improved. She was able to do her day to day activities.
After 4 weeks:After 4th weeks, home exercise program was given to her to maintain the flexibility and mobility of knee and strengthen lower limb muscles.
Vrinda Aunty returned to her native place –Nasik. She called me from Nasik to thank me when she started enjoying her evening walks with her friends. She was glad that she could offer her prayers to god by going to the temple .She was able to do her household chores on her own.
Vrinda Aunty was living her life to the fullest and that was the most rewarding feeling for me.
Review from Vrinda Aunty’s daughter in Law: Poorva Gosavi:
“Dr Mugdha is excellent physiotherapist. My mother in law had surgery of both knees. Within a month, she is able to do all her work by her own .All credit goes to Dr Mugdha. She gave her tremendous confidence. She is friendly. I am really thankful to her n her team as well. Wish them all the best for future. Best physiotherapist I have ever seen. Thank you !!”
