Knee Replacements
If you're preparing for or recovering from a knee replacement, our friendly, compassionate team is here to guide you every step. We deliver professional, evidence-based care that comes to you – helping you heal faster and stronger. We arrange pre and post-surgery rehabilitation with one of our consultant physiotherapists.
Contact Home Physio Company today to book your home visit physiotherapy appointment and start your fast recovery journey. Get back on your feet with specialist support tailored just for you.
Why would I need a knee replacement?
You may need a knee replacement if you’re experiencing severe knee pain, stiffness, or decreased mobility that significantly affects your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Here are the most common reasons why knee replacement surgery might be recommended:
1. Severe Pain:
Chronic knee pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments like medications, physiotherapy, or injections.
Pain that is persistent, even while resting or sleeping, and prevents you from doing basic activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs.
2. Limited Mobility:
A significant loss of range of motion in the knee, making it difficult or impossible to bend or straighten your leg fully.
Difficulty walking, standing, or getting up from sitting due to knee stiffness or instability.
3. Arthritis:
Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis can cause the cartilage in the knee joint to wear away, leading to bone-on-bone contact. This causes pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery, as the cartilage that cushions the knee joint deteriorates over time.
4. Knee Deformity or Instability:
If your knee becomes deformed due to arthritis or an injury, such as a bowing of the leg or instability that causes it to give way, knee replacement can help restore alignment and stability.
A deformed knee may also put excessive pressure on certain parts of the joint, causing additional pain and difficulty moving.
5. Failure of Other Treatments:
When non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medications, injections, or lifestyle changes no longer relieve your symptoms or improve knee function, knee replacement may be considered as a last resort.
6. Quality of Life:
If knee pain or dysfunction significantly limits your ability to do the activities you enjoy or perform daily tasks (e.g., walking, driving, working, or participating in hobbies), knee replacement may be a way to regain a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
When pain and loss of function severely affect your emotional well-being or cause you to withdraw from social or physical activities, surgery can improve both physical and mental health.
7. Advanced Joint Damage:
If the damage to the knee joint is extensive, with severe wear and tear, deformity, or significant bone damage that cannot be repaired through other methods, knee replacement may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.
8. Injury or Trauma:
A serious knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament damage, that doesn’t heal properly or causes long-term pain and instability may require knee replacement surgery, especially if there’s damage to the joint surfaces.
When is Surgery Considered?
Knee replacement is typically considered when:
You’ve tried conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, medications, and injections, without sufficient improvement.
The pain and dysfunction are so severe that they significantly impact your ability to carry out daily tasks or enjoy activities.
Your knee condition is affecting your overall quality of life and causing emotional or psychological distress.
Ultimately, the decision to have knee replacement surgery should be made in consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, who will evaluate the severity of your knee condition, review your medical history, and consider your personal goals for recovery.
What is a Knee Replacement?
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. During surgery the articular surface is removed and replaced, essentially re-surfacing your knee. This surgery is typically done to relieve severe pain and improve mobility, usually after a person has experienced long-term knee issues from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injuries.
The goal of the procedure is to reduce pain, improve function, and allow patients to resume daily activities with less discomfort. The replacement prosthesis is designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint, providing stability and support.
Types of Knee Replacements
There are several types of knee replacement procedures, depending on the extent of damage and the specific needs of the patient:
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA):
Involves replacing the surfaces of both the femoral part and the tibial part as well as the patella (kneecap) in some cases.
This is the most common type of knee replacement and is recommended when the entire knee joint is compromised.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR):
Only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced. This is typically recommended when only one part of the knee is affected, such as the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) compartment of the knee.
Because it preserves more of the natural knee, recovery is often faster, and the outcome is typically more natural feeling than a full replacement.
Complex or Revision Knee Replacement:
This is a type of surgery needed when an initial knee replacement fails, or when the knee prosthesis wears out or becomes loose.
It may involve replacing the components of the artificial joint or correcting issues with alignment or stability.
What Happens After a Total Knee Replacement?
The recovery process after a total knee replacement involves several stages:
Immediate Post-Surgery (Days 1-2):
Pain Management: Pain relief will be provided through medications, and cryotherapy (physiolab or cryocuff) is used to reduce swelling.
Mobility: The focus is on re-gaining your joint range of movement and weight bearing. You’ll start with gentle movements and mobility for short distances.
Physiotherapy: Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to regain your range of motion and muscle activation.
Early Recovery (Weeks 1-4):
Physiotherapy: Continues to help restore range of motion and activate the muscles around the knee. Daily step count is limited to prevent swelling and minimise pain. Manual therapy is provided to reduce swelling and increase circulation.
Wound Care: The surgical site will be monitored for signs of infection.
Swelling Management: Swelling will gradually decrease with proper care including regular cryotherapy.
Full Recovery (Months 2-12):
Improved Function: You’ll regain strength, flexibility, and movement. Your daily step count will increase and you can work towards returning to sports with the support of your physiotherapist.
Return to Activities: Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling may be reintroduced. Return to running protocol can begin in this timeframe.
Continued Rehabilitation: To fully regain knee function, consistent physiotherapy is essential.
Long-Term Outlook: Most people experience significant relief from pain, and the knee function improves significantly. Full recovery may take up to a year for some individuals.
Why Choose Home Visit Physiotherapy After Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
What Home Physio Company can do to help you
Home Physio Company has a fantastic team of specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists providing mobile physiotherapy services. Home visit physiotherapy for a knee replacement is an extremely popular choice given the challenges that can come with getting to a clinic after surgery.
Personalised Rehabilitation Plan:
A physiotherapist can tailor exercises to your specific needs, ensuring that your recovery is effective and safe.
Convenience and Comfort:
Recovering at home can be more comfortable than going to a clinic, especially in the early days after surgery.
You can avoid the hassle of transportation and enjoy therapy in the comfort of your own space.
One-on-One Attention:
Home visits allow for more focused attention from your physiotherapist, as they can spend more time working with you on your specific issues, progress, and goals. We often use your home environment to complete your exercise program and go through each exercise so you feel confident completing your program independently.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments:
The physiotherapist can monitor your recovery closely, checking for any complications such as infection, swelling, or poor movement patterns. They can also adjust the rehabilitation program as needed to prevent overexertion or under-rehabilitation.
Pain Management and Mobility Assistance:
The physiotherapist can help you manage pain through targeted techniques (e.g., manual therapy) and guide you on using assistive devices like crutches or walkers correctly.
Promoting Faster Recovery:
Early mobilisation and the right exercises, provided at home, can help speed up your recovery, reduce swelling, and restore knee strength and function more effectively.
Education and Support:
Physiotherapists educate you on what to expect during your recovery, teaching you how to move properly, reduce strain on the knee, and avoid re-injury.
In conclusion, private home visit physiotherapy can greatly enhance your post-operative experience, making recovery smoother, faster, and more efficient. It ensures that you're getting the care you need directly in your environment, improving both your physical and emotional well-being during the recovery process.
