Dr. Eric Silberg, M.D.
At Michigan Orthopedic Specialists, we understand that the recovery process following a hip or knee replacement may seem overwhelming, so we aim to simplify the process.
After a knee replacement, the patient’s primary goal is to bend and straighten the knee. Starting immediately after surgery, try to get as much range of motion as possible. To help bend your surgical knee, cross your ankles with the non-surgical side in front of the surgical side ankle. Now you can use the strength of the non-surgical leg to pull back and further bend the surgical knee.
Work on actively extending or straightening your knee while in bed or while sitting by pressing down on the thigh. You should do this at least 3-4 times a day. Lastly, walk with your walker. Any exercise besides these that causes pain, you should avoid.
After a hip replacement, the most effective therapy after a total hip replacement is walking. The patient’s primary goal is to walk with his or her walker or cane until any assistive device is needed. You are not to push through any pain. Any activity or exercises that causes pain, you should avoid or modify. If a therapist is recommending exercises that cause pain in your surgical hip, do not do it.
To learn more about Michigan Orthopedic Specialists log on to www.MIortho.com