Knee surgery, for injuries or joint replacements, aims to alleviate pain and restore mobility. After such procedures, the body begins a healing process. To ensure optimal recovery and a successful return to daily activities, a structured rehabilitation program is recommended. This comprehensive approach almost always includes specialized physical therapy, an integral part of post-surgical care.
The Purpose of Post-Surgical Physical Therapy
Physical therapy after knee surgery serves multiple objectives, guiding the joint through its healing phases and maximizing its capabilities. A primary goal is restoring the knee’s range of motion, often limited by swelling and pain. Therapists use exercises to help the knee regain full bend and straighten, preventing stiffness and scar tissue.
Beyond mobility, physical therapy rebuilds muscle strength around the knee. Muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings weaken rapidly after surgery. Strengthening these muscles provides support and stability to the joint, improving function and reducing strain.
Balance training enhances proprioception, the body’s sense of its position in space, which is often compromised after knee surgery. Therapists also manage post-surgical pain and swelling, which contribute to discomfort and can hinder rehabilitation. The ultimate objective is to enable a safe return to daily activities, work, and recreational pursuits.
Immediate Consequences of Skipping Physical Therapy
Neglecting post-surgical physical therapy leads to immediate negative outcomes. Increased and prolonged pain is a common issue, exacerbated by insufficient movement and persistent swelling. Without therapy, the knee becomes stiff and limited in motion. This can result in an inability to fully straighten or bend the knee, making everyday tasks challenging.
Persistent swelling also remains a concern, as movement and exercises help reduce fluid accumulation. Rapid muscle atrophy, particularly in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, occurs quickly without targeted strengthening. This muscle weakness contributes to instability and makes basic functional movements difficult. Simple actions like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair can become arduous and painful, impacting independence in the early recovery period.
Long-Term Complications of Neglecting Physical Therapy
Failing to complete post-surgical physical therapy can lead to lasting complications. Permanent loss of range of motion and chronic stiffness are long-term issues. Without consistent effort, scar tissue can restrict movement, making full extension or flexion difficult. This can limit participation in daily activities and recreational pursuits.
Persistent joint instability is another complication, increasing the risk of falls and re-injury. The lack of proper muscle strengthening and balance training leaves the joint inadequately supported, making it more susceptible to twisting or buckling. Chronic pain can also persist, limiting activity and diminishing quality of life.
Over time, neglected rehabilitation can contribute to accelerated degeneration of the knee joint, potentially leading to the early onset of osteoarthritis due to abnormal joint mechanics and uneven stress distribution. In some cases, limitations caused by skipping physical therapy may necessitate further surgical interventions, such as manipulation under anesthesia or revision surgery.
What to Do if You’ve Skipped Physical Therapy
If physical therapy has been delayed or skipped after knee surgery, it is generally not too late to seek intervention, though recovery might be more challenging. The first step is to consult with the orthopedic surgeon or a primary care physician as soon as possible. These medical professionals can assess the knee and provide guidance on the next steps.
Following this, seeking an evaluation from a qualified physical therapist is recommended. A physical therapist can assess the knee’s range of motion, strength, and function, then develop a tailored rehabilitation plan. While starting therapy later may require more effort and patience, and full recovery might be compromised, improvements are often achievable. Manage expectations regarding potential outcomes, understanding that consistent effort and adherence to the revised therapy plan are important for improving knee function and reducing long-term complications.