A total knee replacement may be necessary if you experience severe pain when walking or performing everyday tasks. A prosthetic knee can last ten years or longer when properly cared for. Physical rehabilitation after surgery teaches you care for your knee. After rehabilitation, you will be able to drive, walk, participate in certain sports and continue to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery may be performed after you have undergone treatment for severe pain in or around your knee. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and wearing a knee brace. Restrictions in movement are recommended. During these treatments, you should refrain from playing tennis or other vigorous sports.
During surgery, your knee will be replaced with a prosthetic knee. You will need additional physical therapy after surgery to help you adjust to using your new knee. Physical therapy can last up to three months depending on how well your body adjusts to the prosthetic.
Recovery
After surgery, you will remain in the hospital for up to four days. During this time, you will be shown bend, walk and move using the new prosthetic knee. You will also be monitored for pain and infection.
Bending, stretching and riding a stationary bicycle are common exercise routines you will have to complete in order to make a full recovery. Performing everyday tasks such as dressing, cleaning and walking help you adapt quickly to your new knee. During your recovery, avoid playing tennis or other high impact sports until your physical therapist or physican says otherwise. Damage to the prosthetic knee can lead to pain, additional surgery and longer rehabilitation time.
Completing a physical rehabilitation program increases your chances of being able to participate in sports such as tennis and golf. Complete daily exercises to help speed your recovery.
Tennis and Other Activities
To resume regular exercise and sports activities, dedicating yourself to completing physical rehabilitation after sugery is important. Playing tennis is possible after surgery, but you may have to forgo playing singles tennis matches as the added strain of having to run back and forth could loosen the prosthetic knee. Doubles tennis, which is lower impact, is recommended after total knee replacement surgery.
If you experience pain after a match, contact your physician or physical therapist. You may need to reduce the number of times per week that you play tennis. Depending on your recovery, you may or may not be able to enter tennis competitions due to the strain placed on the knee.
If you can no longer play tennis, consider other activities such as bowling, boating, swimming, dancing or yoga. These activities are low impact and have many enjoyable qualities for those who want to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
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