Maintaining brawny knees is a critical component of setting about your daily activities. One dreadful fall may prevent you from engaging in these activities and undergoing a knee surgery may be your only choice to rectify the situation. It takes roughly half a year to a whole year to make a full recovery from knee surgery and partake in sports or other vigorous physical activities again. The recuperation process tends to be long and challenging; thus we’re here to share a few tips on therapies, exercises and sleeping positions that may help in your rehabilitation process.
- Cryotherapy
Recovering from a severe injury such as an ACL comes with a certain degree of swelling, particularly a few days after going under the knife. While a little bit of swelling is usual, and essential in the recovery process, excessive swelling leads to pain and curtails your range of motion.
Employing ice packs on the knee aids in reducing swelling, however, you must regularly replace the ice packs to retain a steady temperature; otherwise, you will not reap the full benefits of cryotherapy. An efficient cold remedy system that circulates cold water allows the chillness to sleep deeper last much longer.
- Compression
In addition to swelling accompanied by knee surgery, you may also endure edema (excessive fluid) around the knee joint. Often, people use compression bandages to aid curb this unpleasant effect, but a functioning compression therapy system yields better outcomes. This system pumps surplus blood from the knee joint and ushers fresh nutrients and blood to the recovering tissues leading to faster recovery.
- Sleep on your back
Sleeping on your back is arguably the most recommended sleeping position. Support your surgical leg with 2-3 pillows. Refrain from putting pillows behind your knee. Preferably, use a foam or wedge elevator to maintain your leg over your heart firmly.
A few doctors don’t prescribe foam wedges; consult your specialist before acquiring one.
- Sleep on your non- operative side
We suggest that you lie on the opposite side of the surgical leg. Meaning your operative side will be turned towards the ceiling. Keep at two pillows between your legs for at least six weeks after surgery.
Never shuffle one leg onwards or cross your legs.
- Exercise regularly
What you accomplish in the first-fortnight post surgery in matters knee bend determines the scope of movement that your knee will have in the long-term. Your surgeon will advise on the degree of flex to aim for.
Bottom line
Sleeping on your stomach is unsafe more so following a knee replacement procedure. Also, it’s excruciating to lie on your surgical side. You may consult your care team after the sixth-week mark to know whether it’s okay to try previous sleeping positions.
Recuperation requires all the devotion and strength. Lack of adequate sleep hinders you to recharge accordingly.
