Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing experience. For people who have been dealing with discomfort despite treatments like cortisone shots or dramatic lifestyle changes, knee replacement can give you back the mobility you remember from years ago.
However, the road to recovery isn’t always smooth—it’s a process that requires patience, commitment, and encouragement on the rough days. For many, the key to a successful recovery lies in knowing what to do and, more importantly, what not to do during this crucial period.
The reality of knee replacement recovery
First and foremost, it’s important to set realistic expectations about knee replacement recovery. While the surgery itself can transform your life for the better, recovering from it involves both highs and lows. There will be days when every step feels like a victory, but there will also be moments when discomfort and frustration are much more prevalent. Practicing hope for the not-so-distant future is what keeps many knee surgery patients positive during these hard times.
In addition, avoiding a few common mistakes can make the recovery process smoother and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
1. Skipping daily exercises
Even though every surgery plan and every knee replacement patient are different, the thing that holds true across most people’s experiences is that consistency is the key to regaining strength and mobility. One of the biggest mistakes patients make is skipping their daily exercises prescribed by their physical therapist.
These exercises are designed to improve the function of your knee, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Missing even one or two sessions can slow down your progress and make it harder to regain full range of motion.
What you should do:
Stick to your exercise plan as directed by your physical therapist. Set aside time every day to focus on these movements, even if it feels repetitive. Remember, each exercise is a stepping stone toward long-term recovery and mobility.
2. Doing too much too soon
While it’s essential to stay active, especially when following your physical therapist’s instructions, overexertion can be just as harmful as inactivity. Some patients make the mistake of trying to speed up their recovery by pushing themselves past their limits. Unfortunately, this can lead to setbacks such as swelling, increased pain, or even injury.
Your body does much of its healing while you are at rest or even asleep. Balancing activity with rest is crucial for avoiding overexertion and giving your knee the time it needs to heal.
What you should do:
Follow a balanced recovery plan that combines physical therapy with adequate periods of rest. Listen to your body’s signals—if something feels too painful, it’s okay to say so and to ease off the activity. By advocating for yourself, you and your physical therapist will create the best plan for when to push forward and when to pace yourself.
3. Immobilizing your knee completely
After surgery, it’s natural to feel hesitant about moving your knee. However, immobilizing your knee entirely can lead to long-term complications such as stiffness, reduced range of motion, and muscle atrophy. Overprotecting your knee may seem like a good idea in the moment, but it can hinder your recovery down the road.
What you should do:
Start with gentle, guided movement as recommended by your physical therapist. Even small movements can improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent stiffness. Gradually increase your activity level as your pain subsides and your strength improves.
4. Avoiding pain management techniques
Recovering from knee surgery does come with a certain level of discomfort, which means that avoiding pain medication altogether can make the process unnecessarily difficult. On the flip side, relying solely on medication may not address the full scope of your recovery needs, or it could inhibit your ability to recognize when certain movements may be causing more harm than good.
Pain management is about finding the right balance between short-term, high-intensity solutions (like prescribed medications) and long-term, sustainable strategies (like icing, elevation, and gentle stretching).
What you should do:
Work with your healthcare provider to develop a pain management plan tailored to your needs. Incorporate natural remedies such as heat/cold therapy, mindfulness, or even gentle massage alongside any prescribed medications. Addressing your pain effectively will help you stay on track with your recovery plan.
5. Going back to business as usual
It can be tempting to slip right back into your normal routine that first morning when you wake up feeling rested and more pain-free than you have for years. While this enthusiasm is a sign of progress, returning to “business as usual” may not be in everyone’s best interest depending on the lifestyle goals they want to achieve as well as the habits they have picked up over years of living with knee pain.
What you should do:
Use your recovery period to make lifestyle adjustments that promote your long-term health. The disruption that healing and physical therapy can have after a knee replacement is an opportunity more than an obligation. Focus on activities that protect and sustainably strengthen your knee, such as low-impact exercises and stretching routines. Your physical therapist can guide you in incorporating holistic movement habits into your daily life.
Life-changing results begin with the right recovery plan
Recovery after knee replacement surgery is a delicate balance of effort, patience, and proper guidance. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can speed up your healing process, regain the mobility you used to have, and improve your quality of life for years to come.
At Therapydia, our experienced team of physical therapists is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about preparing for knee replacement surgery and what to expect from your unique recovery process by calling a nearby Therapydia clinic or by scheduling an appointment online today.