Minor aches and pains in and around the knee are normal, but if you are suffering from continuous pain and immobility, you will most likely require a more involved treatment. Knee replacement surgery is an effective option for anyone living with a damaged knee joint. Unfortunately, most people are not prepared for the recovery process. Nine out of 10 patients who undergo knee replacements experience relief immediately after the procedure. However, following doctor's orders after the surgery is essential for success. Here are 3 tips to ensure you have a successful recovery after knee replacement surgery.

Prepare Your Home

Moving around your own house will be a bit challenging immediately after your surgery. Thankfully, you can prepare your home for a smooth and painless recovery.

Your doctor will most likely prescribe you a walker, which will help you move through your home with ease. Sitting and standing up from bed, a chair, and even the toilet can also be difficult because you will need to bend your new knee joint. To ease your knee into these movements, consider placing your walker near your favorite chair and your bed. Also, install temporary safety bars in your shower, bathtub, and next to your toilet.

Prepare For Pain

After the surgery, doctors will prescribe you a few different types of pain medication to ease discomfort. Anti-inflammatory medications will reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, but they should be used sparingly, since they can have side effects.

Place a cold compress on your recovering knee to ease pain and swelling without the use of toxic medications. The cold will not only numb your pain and ease swelling, but it will also improve your blood circulation. This is necessary for healing.

Prepare For Exercise

Exercise has been proven to increase your body's production of endorphins. These chemicals naturally flood your body, improving your overall mood. However, exercise is also an imperative part of improving mobility and building strength in your new knee joint. Of course, you may not know where to begin, so scheduling a consultation with a physical therapist at a company like Hands-On Physical Therapy is important.

Professionals will create a therapy plan suited to your specific needs and goals. Using low-impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga, stretches, walking, and weight training, your therapist will help you strengthen your knee joint and connecting cartilage and ligaments.

Exercises are also a great option for gauging your pain levels, ensuring you can recovery from your surgery in an efficient, effective, and painless manner.

If you are considering a knee replacement, you must educate yourself on proper recovery. With these tips, you will know how to prepare your home, manage your pain, and increase strength after the procedure.