Introduction

As the number of knee necrosis and injuries rises, more people with knee problems are having knee replacement surgery. According to various articles, the 15-year survival rate for knee replacement prostheses is now 90% to 95%. This greatly improves the quality of life for patients.

However, knee replacement is not a permanent solution. Even with today's advanced medical technology, many patients do not get proper rehabilitation after surgery. This can lead to knee deformities or pain that does not improve. As a result, knee replacement surgery may not achieve the desired outcome.

This article will discuss the reasonable rehabilitation process after knee replacement surgery to improve the postoperative recovery effect of each patient.

The process of knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery involves taking out the damaged knee joint. They then replace it with an artificial metal prosthesis. The operation usually lasts 1-2 hours.

The goal is to improve the patient's knee flexibility. We want to relieve knee pain and enhance the patient's quality of life after the surgery.

After knee replacement surgery, patients should continue to observe the knee condition to see if the knee is uncomfortable. Common problems after surgery are usually pain, stiffness, swelling, and scarring. Rehabilitation training can generally improve common problems.

Rehabilitation process

Early stage - within 1 week after surgery

Stay in the hospital for monitoring. This is to check if the blood circulation in the knee is normal and if there is swelling. 

During this time, take the medicines prescribed by your doctor. The physical therapist will also teach you some basic exercises for rehabilitation. 

Your knee should be able to straighten or bend to 90° to meet the discharge standard. Everyone recovers at their own pace, so please follow your doctor's advice regarding your discharge.

Mid-term - 2-6 weeks after surgery

mainly home rehabilitation, and perform rehabilitation exercises taught by physical therapists, such as knee bending or straightening exercises. 

At the same time, use a knee massager for 20-30 minutes every day. The massager can promote blood circulation in the knee, improve knee flexibility, and speed up recovery. 

Do not do housework, squat, or strenuous exercise at home during this period. You should fully rest the knee during this period.

Late stage - after 6 weeks after surgery

Go to the hospital for regular examinations to determine the recovery of the knee. If the situation improves, you can resume daily activities like shopping or housework.

Benefits of Knee Massage After Knee Replacement

• Promote blood circulation: accelerate recovery and reduce swelling
• Reduce scar tissue formation: prevent and reduce postoperative scar hardening
• Relieve pain and stiffness: help relax muscles and improve flexibility
• Restore mobility: massage combined with rehabilitation exercises to enhance joint flexibility

Massage precautions after knee replacement surgery

• Massage methods at different stages

1.Early stage (within 4 weeks after surgery)

Be careful and avoid direct massage of the surgical area. This helps prevent joint injury and skin infection.

2.Mid-term stage (6 weeks after surgery)

Begin gentle massage. Focus on the surrounding tissues. This helps prevent muscle stiffness, promotes blood flow, and improves vitality.

Use the air pressure massage feature of the Tonariel knee massager. It simulates a manual massage of acupoints. This helps speed up knee recovery.

3.Long-term stage (more than 6 months after surgery)

A deeper massage can help full recovery and prevent knee injury.

• Avoid excessive deep massage in the early stage of surgery
• Consult a doctor or physical therapist for advice before and after a massage
• Cooperate with the rehabilitation exercise plan to balance the rhythm of massage and sports rehabilitation
• The role of professional masseurs: when to seek professional help

Summary:

Currently, knee replacement surgery is a mature surgical treatment for joint diseases. Still, we cannot wholly rely on the work of doctors. In life, we should do knee rehabilitation training.

We need to follow the plans of physical therapists. At the same time, we can use knee massagers. This will help restore our knee health as much as possible.