Tips for Thriving After Knee Replacement

When I think of getting older I think of the Golden Years and having free time to spend with family and grandchildren. For most people in the Baby Boomer generation, this is actuality. From a fitness perspective, experts have embraced the rise in Active Older Adults by designing safe and fun programs designed to improve strength for everyday activities. What happens to us when our joints start to age, and our tendons just don't have that spring-like ability?

Partial and total knee replacement has become a norm for most people that have suffered chronic knee pain due to arthritis, damage to the knee or loss of cartilage. The following are some tips that will help you to successfully recover from knee or hip replacement surgery.

Preoperative Conditioning- there is an increase risk that your muscle will atrophy and waste away due to the inability to move or place full weight on your knees and hips. Exercising before you have your surgery is one way to help tone and strengthen your muscles that surround the joint, which will make your post-operative rehab easier and less stressful on the body.

Post-rehab- once your doctor believes that you are doing well, you may begin a post operative workout that will include Range of Motion exercise either manually with a physical therapist or through the use of a Passive Assisted Range of Motion Machine. There will be plenty of pain after surgery, so pain medication might be prescribed before you participate in any type of activity

Home Exercise Program- hiring the right fitness expert in your community will ensure that you are getting the right type of program for you post rehab. Continuing your exercise program at home will help strengthen muscle tissue that might have deteriorated, increase your range of motion, improve balance and stability and help to maintain a safe and effective workout.

These are only tips and you should speak to your health care provider if your have questions about your recovery. Remember, get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity, stretch and relax to enjoy a healthier, happier life.