When a total knee replacement may be necessary, it’s essential to know how the recovery period afterward will look. That’s because total knee replacement recovery is often challenging for those going through it.
The First Few Days
Once your total knee replacement has been a success, your rehabilitation will begin. For outpatients, this may mean spending a day or two in a secondary facility after leaving the hospital; and for inpatients, this will mean a day or two in the hospital. During this time, you’ll need support devices—such as a crutch or walker—and the help of the nurses and doctors at your chosen facility. This will also mark the beginning of your physical therapy routines that will help you regain and solidify control of your new knee.
The First Few Weeks
The next handful of weeks during your total knee replacement recovery will be focused on continued and escalating physical therapy exercises. This will involve restoring your natural walking gait, returning you to a full range of motion, and regaining knee strength. Of course, during this time, your health and overall condition will be monitored to ensure that your body is healing appropriately and functioning well with the new knee.
Within Two to Three Months
Finally, within three months (or about 10-12 weeks), you’ll be able to return to most of your casual physical activities with minimal to no pain. However, your total knee replacement recovery won’t be over just yet. High-intensity and high-impact activities may still cause you problems, so you’ll want to go at your own pace and not rush into anything your new knee may not be ready for.
Quality Total Knee Replacement on Long Island
Don’t let any of this information dissuade you from receiving the new knee that you need to live life to the fullest again. If you’re in need of a total knee replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to Orthopedic Associates of Long Island at 631-689-6698. With locations throughout Long Island, you have a wealth of options nearby.
