Rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery

Why programs differ by operation

After a knee or hip replacement, early mobilization may be aimed for when the condition allows. After repair of a tendon, meniscus or ligament, protection from certain movements or loads may be required. Interventions after fractures also depend on the stability of the fixation and bone healing.

The absence of pain does not mean the tissue has regained full strength. At the same time, immobilization longer than needed may increase stiffness and muscle loss. Rehabilitation requires a balance between protection and appropriate stimulation of healing.

Documents and initial assessment

Bring the operation report, the hospital discharge instructions, tests and the list of medicines. It should be clarified how much weight you may put on the operated limb, which movements are restricted and for how long the walking aid is needed.

The physiotherapist assesses pain, edema, mobility, muscle activation and the ability to get up, walk or dress. Progress is tied to measurable goals. If an essential surgical instruction is missing, it is clarified before the load is increased.

Phases of rehabilitation

At first, the aims are safety, symptom management and the permitted movements. Work on range of motion, strength and control of the limb is then added. In later phases, work tasks, stairs, balance and activities that demand more load are included.

Moving from one phase to the next is based on healing, control of edema and the ability to perform tasks with good quality. Time since the operation matters but is not the only criterion. A program taken from the internet may not respect additional procedures done during your operation.

The example of a knee replacement

After arthroplasty, that is, replacement of the knee joint, work may focus on activating the quadriceps muscle at the front of the thigh, controlled straightening and bending of the knee and walking with an aid. Strength and walking tolerance increase later. The choice and dose of exercises are determined by the team.

Do not force the knee to reach a certain angle and do not drop the cane or crutches just because pain has lessened. Limping and poor control show that the program should be adapted. Restrictions differ among replacements, tissue repairs and fractures.

What to do between sessions

Home exercises should be clear, feasible and linked to the goals of the program. Note your response after activity, especially edema, pain and tiredness that affect the following day. This helps the physiotherapist adjust the load.

Use walking aids as instructed and organize the home to limit falls. Passive treatments may help in certain cases but do not replace exercise. Return to driving or work is discussed according to safety, motor control and the medicines you take.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start physiotherapy after surgery? The surgeon determines when to start. After some procedures, such as knee or hip replacement, mobilization starts early, while after repair of tendons or ligaments there may be restrictions for several weeks. Bring the operation report so that the physiotherapist can adapt the program.

Is it normal to have swelling for months? Some edema may continue for weeks and months after the procedure, especially after activity. It is assessed according to the course: swelling that suddenly increases, or comes with calf pain, redness or fever, requires a prompt check.

When can I stop using the cane? When walking is stable, without a limp and without significant pain, and when the team allows it. Dropping it early just because pain has eased may change the way of walking and increase the risk of falls.

Do exercises from the internet help me? General programs do not take into account the details of your operation. They may add load at the wrong time. Use only exercises adapted by the physiotherapist and consistent with the surgeon’s protocol.

Signs that call for help

Stop exercising and seek assessment for pain that increases quickly, a wound that discharges or opens, fever, spreading redness or a new loss of function. Sudden edema and calf pain require a prompt check for thrombosis. Do not massage the area to test it.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: We offer physiotherapy after orthopedic procedures, in line with the report and protocol of the operating surgeon. Follow-up is coordinated with the orthopedist when the course or restrictions call for reassessment.