Ask Dr. Hacker: Do you need physical therapy after a partial knee replacement?

Hi Dr. H, on a partial knee replacement, is there still the need for physical therapy?
Thanks,
M.D.

Rehabilitation after any knee surgery, in my opinion, is key to full recovery. A partial knee resurfacing also falls into this category. To me, rehab means dedicating yourself to time each day working on range of motion, strength, endurance, and more to get the best result you possibly can.

Reaching these rehabilitation goals can be done in several ways. A physical therapist can be incredibly helpful in reaching your fullest potential for several reasons. First, they are the experts in motion and can teach you systematically what you need to do each day. Second, they can be an objective observer, like a teacher, to keep you on the right path. Some exercises need to be done the right way, but are a little easier of you ‘cheat’. It’s their job to be sure you don’t — for your benefit ! Third, they take the stress of knowing what to do away and will guide you through the entire recovery.

For some patients, these goals can be reached on your own in your own home. IF you can stay disciplined, work hard, and advance your recovery when you need it, you will likely do just fine on your own. For many, I personally think the therapy approach is the best way.

So, in a long-winded way, the answer to the question is NO, but to get the best result you possibly can, I would still say YES.

Hope this helps.

Please let me know if you have more questions about rehabilitation or therapy after partial knee replacement surgery.