Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure that is minimally invasive, allowing for faster recovery times than traditional surgeries. However, the recovery process can still be challenging, and physiotherapy can play a significant role in helping patients recover their strength and mobility.
During knee arthroscopy recovery, it’s common to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee for the first few days. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories can help alleviate these symptoms, but early mobilisation and exercise are crucial for restoring your knee’s range of motion and strength.
Let’s explore how physiotherapy sessions can help you in your journey to recovery.
How physiotherapy helps your knee arthroscopy recovery
Physiotherapy can help patients recover from knee arthroscopy by prescribing exercises and treatments to address physical and functional limitations.
To assess and monitor a patient’s progress during knee arthroscopy recovery, our physios at North West Physiotherapy look at the range of motion of the knee, hip, and ankle, assess the patient’s current strength, balance, and gait.
Example exercises include:
- Patella mobilisations: This reduces common stiffness experiences
- Quadriceps, hamstring and calf stretches and strengthening exercises
- Weight bearing and transferring exercises
- Hip and ankle exercises
- Balance exercises
- Gait exercises
- Basic plyometric/jumping
- Hydrotherapy
- Pain management techniques and advice
Considerations and precautions during knee arthroscopy recovery
Patients should be aware of some potential risks and complications associated with knee arthroscopy, such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, persistent swelling, and stiffness.
Physiotherapy management can help address these complications with early mobilisation and addressing any deficits that are observed along the rehabilitation journey.
Returning to function and activity following knee arthroscopy
The goal of physiotherapy during knee arthroscopy recovery is to help patients return to their previous level of function and activity. Our North West Physio Clinics tailor exercises to best address any deficits.
We work to:
- Restore your full range of motion
- Regain your usual and normal walking pattern
- Restore your previous leg strength
- Restore your normal balance, proprioception & coordination
- Work on restoring any sport specific or work specific movements
- Achieve your post-surgery goals
Northwest Physio Lutwyche: your partner in knee arthroscopy recovery
At North West Physio Lutwyche, our experienced physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you recover from knee arthroscopy. We offer tailored treatment plans that are designed to help you regain full function and strength in your knee.
Our team is skilled in addressing any deficits that may be present and will work with you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for comprehensive support during your knee arthroscopy recovery, contact us at Northwest Physio Lutwyche to schedule an appointment today.
