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If you are scheduled for knee surgery, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to speed up your recovery time. Although you know that you will need to look for physical therapy near me after your surgery, you may be unaware that also getting physical therapy prior to your surgery actually not only shortens your recovery time, but it also makes the transition smoother.
It is best if your knee is in good physical shape before you go in for surgery. When you find sports medicine near me, your physical therapist will design a pre- and post-surgery treatment plan that will consist of a variety of things.
If your knee is causing you pain or discomfort, your physical therapist will do a combination of methods to reduce your symptoms. These may include cold or hot therapy, manual therapy, dry needling, or ultrasound.
Once your symptoms have reduced, your therapist will begin to work to improve movement and range of motion in the knee. This may consist of stretching and various exercises to increase flexibility and strength of the surrounding muscles.
After your surgery, you will be using assistive devices, such as crutches and a walker, to get around during the first couple of days or weeks. Your physical therapist will teach you how to properly use these so that your transition into post recovery is easier.
Your therapist will also make recommendations to modify your home so that life is easier, and you reduce your risk of falling, once you get home after the surgery. Some home adaptations include:
Removing rugs
Moving furniture to make it easier to navigate with your walking assistive device
Placing everyday items so they are easier to reach
It generally only takes one session to learn about home adaptations and how to use an assistive device. The sessions necessary to improve the physical health of your knee differs for each client.
After your knee surgery, physical therapy in Peoria, AZ begins almost immediately, and it is common to begin working with your therapist the same day you had the surgery.
To help manage pain and swelling, your physical therapist will educate you about rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and when to apply them to speed up recovery.
You will start with bedside exercises in the hospital so you can get used to putting weight on the knee joint. Once you are home, your therapist may make home visits, or you can go to the PT clinic for your sessions. You will work on reducing post-surgical symptoms, strengthening the muscles, improving ROM, and increasing flexibility, just like you did before surgery.
As you progress, your physical therapist will continue to add exercises for you to do on your own. Your therapist will work with you so you can return to your regular activities as quickly as possible.
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