After Surgery

After surgery you will receive pain medication and begin physical therapy. It is important to start moving your new knee as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood flow, to regain knee motion and to facilitate the recovery process. You may be out of bed and walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of your surgery.

You will be shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to get into and out of a seated position and how to care for your knee once you return home. It is a good idea to enlist the support of family or friends to help you when you return home.

You will be shown a variety of exercises designed to help you regain mobility and strength in your knee.

Most patients are ready to go home between three to five days after surgery; however, some people may go to a separate rehabilitation facility, which I will discuss with you before surgery. Many patients will go directly home and begin supervised therapy either at home or as an outpatient.