Total knee replacement surgery is typically performed on people who have chronic knee pain, severe osteoarthritis and other other chronic knee conditions that cause pain and loss of function. In a total knee replacement, the joint surfaces in your knee are replaced to decrease pain and improve function. This surgical intervention is performed after conservative, non-surgical treatment including physical therapy has not successfully alleviated pain or improved function. 

Physical therapy and a well-designed strength and conditioning program is important before and after knee replacement surgery for the best outcomes and an improved recovery of mobility and function.

The physical therapists at Vita will work with you to design a specific treatment program to speed up your recovery from your knee replacement. Typically, the program will include the following:

• Range of motion exercises focusing on knee straightening and bending.
• Pain reduction techniques such as dry needling and kinesio taping.
• strengthening exercises for muscles around the hip and knee itself focusing on quads and hamstrings.
• Gait training exercises in order to return to normal gait patterns.
• Cross training guidance and progression to full activity.