REHABILITATION AND EXERCISE

The initial rehabilitation generally takes 5-7 days during your hospital stay. It is needed for your weak leg and thigh muscles which have notbeen used because of your knee problem. The surgery can correct theknee problem, but the muscles will remain weak and need to be strengthened through regular exercises. The therapist also focuses onhelping to increase the range of motion of knee with bending exercises.
Physical therapist along with you will work until you meet the following goals:
Independence in getting in and out of bed
Independence in walking with walker on a level surface
Independence in your home exercise program
Your doctor and therapist may modify these goals somewhat to fit yourparticular condition. If there are no complications after surgery, most patients stay in our hospital approximately for 1 week or less.