Getting Ready for Knee Replacement: Preparing for Your Recovery

You can do a lot now to make your recovery from knee replacement quicker and easier. The more fit you are before surgery, the sooner you'll get back to activities you enjoy. Even before surgery, you can prepare for your rehabilitation, or rehab (program to build strength and function after surgery).

Why Preparing for Recovery Helps

Aerobic exercise, such as riding a stationary bike, can help improve your general fitness and ease your recovery.

You can make your recovery quicker and more comfortable by:

• Strengthening and stretching leg muscles. This helps to support the knee while it's healing. It also gives you a head start on rehab.

• Preparing to use a walker or crutches. Learning to use walking aids before surgery will let you get up and around more quickly and safely afterward. Strengthening your upper body can make it easier to use walking aids.

• Preparing your home. Making some simple arrangements at home can prevent falls and make daily tasks easier while you recover.

You and Your Team

Your healthcare team may include:

• A physical therapist (PT), who will design an exercise program to build strength and aid recovery.

• An occupational therapist (OT), who will help you make daily activities safer and easier during recovery.

• An orthopaedic surgeon, who will perform the surgery and oversee your care.

• A nurse or case manager, who will coordinate your care.

Understanding Your Role

When it comes to preparing for recovery, much of the work is up to you. So make time each day for the exercises your healthcare provider gives you. Always follow your PT's or surgeon's instructions.