Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial one. The knee is the most commonly replaced joint in the body. This procedure can help significantly improve pain, function and quality of life for individuals with severe knee pain and limited mobility due to conditions such as:

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. 
• Post-traumatic arthritis — Post-traumatic arthritis is arthritis caused by a previous injury to the knee. 
• Avascular necrosis — Avascular necrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply. 

While a knee replacement can drastically improve your quality of life, successful recovery requires careful management, dedication and support. Avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively you recover. 

5 common mistakes to avoid after knee replacement surgery

While knee replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure, the following five common mistakes can hinder your recovery process:

• Overdoing it — After surgery, it’s natural to want to get back to normal as soon as possible. However, it’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard, especially during the initial stages of recovery. Overexertion can lead to inflammation, pain, damage to the surgical site and delayed healing. While some movement is essential, remember that your body also needs time to rest and recover. 
• Ignoring pain and warning signs — While some pain is normal after surgery, persistent or worsening pain, excessive swelling, or fever can indicate a potential complication. It’s essential to report any concerns to your health care provider promptly. Ignoring these warning signs may slow your recovery or even lead to further surgical intervention. 
• Skipping physical therapy — Physical therapy is a cornerstone of knee replacement recovery. It helps restore your strength, flexibility and range of motion. Skipping physical therapy sessions can hinder your progress and increase your risk of complications. 
• Neglecting pain and wound management — Proper pain management and wound care are critical for a smooth recovery. Follow your doctor’s instructions for pain medication and wound care to help prevent infection, promote healing and keep your pain level under control. 
• Underestimating the importance of preparation — Preparing your home environment in advance can significantly ease your recovery. Failing to prepare your home before surgery can make your recovery even more challenging. Remove obstacles, install grab bars in the bathroom and have necessary items within easy reach. Additionally, having a support system in place can help alleviate stress and facilitate a smoother recovery. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to overexertion or even injury. 

Tips for a smoother recovery after knee replacement surgery

Recovering from knee replacement surgery takes time, but with the right strategies in place, you can make the process easier and more comfortable. Here are some essential tips to consider to help you have a smoother recovery:

• Sit mindfully — The way you sit after a knee replacement surgery can impact your knee’s healing process. Avoid sitting in low or deep chairs, which can strain your knee joint. Choose a chair that promotes the best sitting position, with firm support and high enough that it keeps your knee at a 90-degree angle. When you’re seated, try to keep your leg slightly elevated to help reduce swelling, and avoid crossing your legs, which can restrict blood flow.
• Attend follow-up appointments — It’s crucial to attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon or doctor. These appointments give them the opportunity to monitor your progress, assess for any complications and adjust your recovery plan if needed. Skipping these check-ins can result in missed warning signs or delayed treatment if issues arise. 
• Follow medical advice closely — Your doctor and physical therapist will design a recovery plan specifically for your needs and recovery goals. Sticking to this plan and following all recommendations, from medications to exercises, will help you progress safely. It can be tempting to test your limits and get back to your regular routine quickly, but it’s crucial to avoid temptation and follow instructions to achieve a full recovery. 
• Incorporate gentle movement — While you want to avoid overdoing it, keeping your body moving is important to help prevent stiffness and blood clots. Gentle exercises, like walking around the house, can support circulation and reduce stiffness. Make sure any movement is following the guidelines of your doctor. 
• Elevate your leg — Keeping your leg elevated can help reduce swelling, especially in the first few weeks after your surgery. Try to keep it elevated as much as possible when you’re seated or lying down.
• Stay hydrated and fueled up — Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet with protein, vitamins and minerals support your body’s healing process. Avoid having too much salt because it can increase swelling. Make sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins to promote your recovery. 
• Go to physical therapy — As mentioned with the common mistakes, physical therapy is crucial for helping you regain your range of motion and strength. Going to all of your physical therapy sessions and doing any recommended at-home exercises can greatly improve your recovery experience. 
• Avoid overdoing it and certain movements — Heavy lifting, twisting movements and high-impact activities should be avoided during your recovery, as they can put undue stress on your knee. Stick to low-impact activities and exercises recommended by your physical therapist.
• Use cold therapy — Cold therapy can be highly effective in managing pain and swelling. Apply a cold pack to the knee as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist, particularly after physical activity. Using cold packs as recommended can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and swelling levels. 

Physical therapy techniques for knee replacement surgery recovery

Physical therapy is an essential component of a successful recovery. A licensed physical therapist will use a variety of techniques and critical exercises to help you regain strength, flexibility and range of motion in your new knee joint:

• Therapeutic exercises — Therapeutic exercises include specific movements that target the muscles around the knee, helping to build strength and stability. These critical exercises will likely include the following:
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques including:
• Soft tissue manipulation — Your physical therapist will use their hands, fingers or specially designed instruments to apply pressure to the soft tissue around the knee, breaking up any scar tissue and relieving tension. Soft tissue manipulation can improve blood flow, decrease pain and enhance range of motion. 
• Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization is a gentle manipulation technique that improves your knee flexibility and reduces stiffness. Your physical therapist will move your knee joint in specific ways to restore natural movement patterns and increase comfort. 
• Aquatic therapy — Aquatic therapy takes place in a pool where water resistance provides you with a safe environment for movement without adding pressure on your knee. The buoyancy of water makes exercises easier to do, helping to increase your strength and flexibility with minimal impact. 
• Walk and gait training — Proper walking form is essential for a smooth recovery after knee replacement surgery. Your physical therapist may use gait training to correct walking patterns, improve balance and reduce stress on your recovering knee. Over time, you can walk more comfortably with increased confidence and stability. 
• Balance and fall prevention — Balance exercises improve stability and prevent falls, which is especially important when you’re recovering from knee replacement surgery. Your physical therapist may incorporate tools like balance boards or simple one-leg stands to improve your balance and coordination. 

Recovering from knee replacement surgery is a journey that requires patience, dedication and a commitment to following a comprehensive recovery plan. By avoiding common mistakes — like doing too much too soon, ignoring warning signs and skipping physical therapy — you can make steady progress and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. 

Achieve your knee replacement surgery recovery goals, one step at a time with Lattimore PT

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our expert team of physical therapists is here to support you every step of the way on your journey through knee replacement surgery recovery. We pride ourselves in our personalized treatment plans incorporating advanced physical therapy techniques to guide you through recovery. We are dedicated to helping you regain strength, flexibility and confidence in your new knee. Trust Lattimore Physical Therapy to be your partner in recovery and help you get back to the life you love — with a stronger, healthier knee!

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.