This weeks Physio Focus Blog is on Total Knee Replacement.

Arthritic Knee vs Post Surgery Knee

For people post Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, it is strongly advised that you begin early intervention with a Physiotherapist to enhance your outcome. This is how we approach it at ProPhysioNI.

Individual Assessment

Each case is different. At ProPhysioNI, we assess each individual and design a treatment plan and rehabilitation program to suit each client. You are guided and supported through your tailored rehabilitation with your physiotherapist.

Post knee surgery assessment

NHS Funding

Previously, the NHS provided early intervention for post TKR surgeries, however this is no longer the case. Unfortunately this has led to many TKR failures. A TKR is considered a failure when people are left with significant impairment indefinitely and in some cases needing further surgery. There is a window of opportunity for regaining maximum functional range of movement of the knee that is pain free and strong. While the NHS no longer provides funding, post surgery physiotherapy may be covered by your health insurance. We are registered with a number of insurance companies.

Early Intervention

We cannot stress how important early intervention of physiotherapy is for the success of your journey post TKR. Over recent years, we are seeing more and more cases of people coming to our clinics 6-9 months post op with their knee stuck in a fixed flexion. They are unable to get their leg straight and unable to bend the knee with any functional range. This in itself can lead to other complications such as hip, ankle and knee problems on the opposite leg due to poor patterns of movement. We are still able to help this long post surgery, but what we can achieve is limited in comparison to those who seek early intervention.

Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates for TKR rehab

As part of most rehabilitation programmes, we use our in studio reformers in a 1-1 scenario, where we take the patient through various rehabilitation exercises. Reformers are brilliant for all forms of rehabilitation because the springs and carriage act as a support, allowing you to move and build strength without putting further strain or weight on the area. Post rehabilitation, we encourage clients to join our Reformer Pilates classes on a regular basis, to promote mobility and flexibility, as well as maintain strength in the surrounding and supporting muscles and tendons.

Physiotherapy Benefits Post TKR

Benefits of physiotherapy post TKR surgery are vast. These are what we consider to be the most beneficial to the patient:
✔️Reduce swelling early
✔️Reduce stiffness in knee joint
✔️Regain strength and muscle mass
✔️Regain maximum pain free range of movement
✔️Improve gait
✔️Get back to full fitness and activity level much quicker

If you or someone you know has just had, or is waiting to have a TKR then make sure they are aware of the importance of physiotherapy post surgery. More often than not, it is the key to a successful TKR. Contact us for more information.

Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better. ProPhysioNI