Knee replacement surgery can truly transform your life, but just having the surgery doesn’t automatically mean you’ll recover fully. What truly determines how well you walk, bend, and return to daily life is physiotherapy. According to an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Akshayanagar, Bangalore, structured physiotherapy helps restore movement, strength, and confidence after knee replacement.

Dr. Veeresh Patage, a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Akshayanagar, Bangalore, often emphasizes that recovery is a partnership between surgery, physiotherapy, and patient commitment. This blog dives into the importance of physiotherapy, what you can expect at every stage, and tips for a safe and effective recovery.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role after knee replacement surgery since it impacts the muscles, ligaments, and overall joint mechanics. If you skip out on guided rehabilitation, you might end up with stiffness and weakness that can really undermine the benefits of the surgery.

Here’s how physiotherapy can help: 

• Enhance your knee’s ability to bend and straighten
• Build strength in your thigh and hip muscles
• Alleviate pain and reduce swelling
• Improve your balance and walking pattern
• Prevent stiffness in the long run

Dr. Veeresh Patage explains, “A well performed surgery gives the knee structure, but physiotherapy teaches the knee how to function again.”

Physiotherapy typically kicks off on the same day or within 24 hours post-surgery. Early movement prevents stiffness and improves circulation.

Typical timeline:

• Day of surgery or next day: assisted standing and walking
• First week: gentle knee movements and basic exercises
• After discharge: supervised outpatient or home physiotherapy

Early initiation helps patients regain confidence and reduces fear of movement.

The early phase usually covers the first one to two weeks after surgery. The main focus here is on managing pain, reducing swelling, and ensuring safe movement.

Key goals include:

• Controlling swelling through ice application and keeping the leg elevated
• Gradually improving knee bending
• Achieving full straightening of the knee
• Starting to walk with some support

Common activities to help with recovery:

• Ankle pumps
• Tightening exercises for the quadriceps
• Assisted knee bending
• Walking with a walker or crutches

Dr. Veeresh Patage notes, “The first two weeks set the foundation for long term recovery. Consistency matters more than intensity at this stage.”

This phase typically spans from week three to week eight, where the emphasis shifts to building strength, endurance, and functional movements.

Here are the goals for this stage:

• Bend the knee beyond 110 degrees
• Boost muscle strength
• Walk with little to no support
• Enhance balance and coordination

The exercises you might encounter include:

• Straight leg raises
• Knee bends, both sitting and standing
• Step-up and step-down training
• Stationary cycling

Many patients find that they experience noticeable improvements during this phase, especially when they stick to their exercise routine.

When it comes to exercises tailored for each patient, there are a few that tend to pop up frequently.

Always perform exercises under guidance, especially in the initial weeks.

Physiotherapy typically lasts between 8 to 12 weeks, but some patients might require a bit more time if they’re dealing with stiffness or muscle weakness. It’s important to keep up with your home exercises even after the supervised sessions wrap up, as this helps maintain your strength and flexibility.

An orthopedic surgeon in Akshayanagar, Bangalore will evaluate your recovery and advise you on when it might be appropriate to scale back on formal physiotherapy.

Here are some helpful tips for patients:

• Make sure to do your exercises every day as recommended.
• Don’t skip your physiotherapy sessions; they’re important!
• Keep your diet healthy and packed with protein.
• Remember to drink plenty of water.
• Stick to the walking and activity guidelines you’ve been given.

Dr. Veeresh Patage advises, “Recovery improves dramatically when patients take ownership of their rehabilitation.”

Physiotherapy after a knee replacement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s absolutely crucial. With the right guidance, a bit of patience, and a consistent approach, most patients can regain their mobility and get back to living an active life.

When under the care of a skilled orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Veeresh Patage in Akshayanagar, Bangalore, patients can look forward to a well-structured, safe, and effective recovery process.