It made a big difference in my recovery. I had a stable chair by the sink and alternated bathing my body sitting down and standing with the aid of my walker. That makes If youre a candidate for hip or knee replacement, youre probably thinking that life after surgery will be just like life before it, only without the pain. You can push play on the video player and it will play through each chapter … It’s very easy to lie in bed or sit in your recliner but making the effort to get up, move around and put some weight on your surgical knee helped speed up my recovery. My wife placed a towel on the tile for me to stand on and I was cautious moving around during the first few showers. The angle and speed used are determined by your doctor and physical therapist. When you use the restroom the walker should be able to slide over the toilet seat – this makes it easier to urinate for a male. Superficial infection is much easier to treat. But painlessness doesnt happen overnight, and how you handle the healing process is critical to achieving a satisfactory result. You need to force yourself to get up often. While there’s often a long list of exercise “don’ts” after knee replacement surgeries, here are some that allow you to stay in shape and strengthen your knee without over-taxing it. © 2019 Active Implants. In that case, you might end up needing revision surgery. If you fall asleep on your stomach the top of your knee might rub against the bedsheets and irritate your wound. Don’t overdo it. Discharge day You will likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery, but this can be a lot longer. Do as much reading and researching as much as you can and get information from friends and acquaintances that have had TKR. It will be a slow process and you will need to be patient at first and take your time. One thing you can do to reduce the chance of falling is to prepare your house before TKR surgery. When it is a problem of the knee replacement knee Can we help you with your continued knee pain after knee replacement surgery? After knee surgery, there is no doubt you will encounter challenges and pain on the path to recovery. Hopefully my experience will make your recovery from knee replacement less painful and free from setbacks. This would seriously delay your recovery. Use the walker until you transition to a cane or walking poles. There are two types of infections that you can develop. Listen to your doctor, medical team, and your physical therapists. As the swelling decreased I was able to perform tasks easier and I had less pain doing my therapy. It’s very easy to slip and hurt yourself. But it doesn’t have to be. There’s something you can do today to decrease your odds of needing surgery and suffering through recovery. I was anxious to build up muscle around my knee and increase flexibility so I pushed a little too hard. Some of these conditions include HIV, Diabetes, Obesity and several others. That makes postoperative pain relief particularly important, so you can be active and participate effectively in physical therapy. Tips for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Recovery In the first week after surgery, you can be able to put some weight on the knee. There’s something you can do today to decrease your odds of needing surgery and suffering through recovery. The big question is, is there life afterwards? If you’re feeling tired after two to three days of exercise after surgery, make sure to take a day off to recover. I hope you can learn from my experience. Knee-replacement surgery offers the hope of returning to typical duties and physical activities without having to deal with debilitating pain 1. While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. Time seems to fly by as we age. Severe pain after knee replacement surgery can be managed with medication. The tourniquet placed on top of my thigh caused major pain and swelling. Your leg is then secured to the machine with straps. Skip to main content 415-563-3110 Contact us Search Search Book a … One of the great advantages of knee arthroscopy is that you may start walking on the operated knee right away. I am wishing for your fast recovery. This is the strategy that I followed. Practicing knee-strengthening exercises before surgery can help you recover more quickly, but an elderly patient, smoker, or someone who suffers from other medical conditions may take longer to heal. When I first looked at my leg after surgery I was surprised at the amount of swelling. You could also wake up with a more painful knee. In most cases, you can start other activities a week after surgery, but talk with your doctor before you drive or do any sport or strenuous work. You can … I experienced mild bruising and you may experience mild or extensive bruising. Now time seems to be zipping by. Muscle, tendon and sinew are rearranged and reattached. The information and reviews presented on this website are my opinions and personal experience. The swelling decreased daily and by week two the swollen mass around my knee was beginning to look more like a knee. Certain types of activity are encouraged postoperatively. If you are considering TKR, speak with your doctor about preparation, exercise, recovery, and equipment. If you’ve had a knee replacement, you’re in good company. This would seriously delay your recovery. Giving up running is one reason some delay a knee replacement. Knee pain is one of the most common side effects of surgery - learn more here.|If your knees hurt after getting total knee replacement, you are not You need to be especially cautious if you have teeth pulled or a root canal. Once you wake up from anesthesia, you’ll likely practice walking on crutches and get fitted with a knee brace or splint. Once your knee is strong enough to do active range of motion with weights, doing active range of motion without them do nothing to improve your knee strength. After a few practice runs I felt more confident with my surgical knee and used the right foot to accelerate and brake. In many ways, youre right. Go slow and you’ll achieve positive gains. The knee will be painful for several days after the arthroscopy. Knee replacement surgery is one of the largest, most complicated orthopedic surgeries you can have 1 2. I took Aspirin every morning and made it a point get up and move around often. If you have a spouse or friend who can drive it may prevent you from harming yourself or others. rehabilitation after arthroscopic knee surgery. It was hard, especially during the first two weeks but the results for me were worth the pain. After day 14 post-surgery I did not take any more Percocet. Many times I had to talk myself out of skipping workouts or taking shortcuts. I encourage you to use good judgment while taking pain medication. Your knee will keep on improving gradually over time, and pain will reduce. However, delaying surgery can have subtle effects that patients often don’t realize. Deep knee infection can require follow up surgery. Along with being patient, you should be careful to not overdo it. Surgeons cut damaged bones and cartilage out of your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap. If you’ve just had knee replacement surgery, you can reduce pain and inflammation by resting and elevating your knee. I learned during my first physical therapy, just four hours after surgery, that the swelling made it very difficult to bend my knee. I experienced mild bruising and you may experience mild or extensive bruising. Years ago when I broke my right leg I was able to drive left footed by propping my right leg up on the front bench seat. Loosening of the implant: This is most often the cause of pain years or decades after the knee replacement; however, it is seldom the cause of persistent pain right after surgery.… You can usually return to work 6-8 weeks after your total knee surgery, depending on what the job entails and how you are progressing through the total knee replacement recovery process. If you fall you could damage your surgical knee but you could also fall and injure a hip or break an arm. If you fall on your knee soon after surgery when your joint replacement is still healing, you may damage the prosthetic implant. The most important step in finding a solution to persistent discomfort is to first determine the cause of the pain. Everyone is different, but it sure helps to have an idea of when you might be running after knee surgery to keep you calm. Typically after ACL surgery is complete you’ll be sent home the same day. Please review this Privacy & Cookies Policy carefully. If you … Hi I’m Ken. I dried off sitting in a chair and standing with the walker. One very popular myth about showering after knee replacement surgery is the belief that you need to avoid taking a bath for the short-term after replacement surgery. Our two cars both have front seats with a divider so it’s impossible to prop your leg up. You should be able to bend your knee freely to 90 degrees before you do activities like If treated early, the injured tissues—such as the meniscus, ACL, and articular cartilage—can be repaired, regenerated, and replaced, protecting the joint. Balance will be an issue immediately after TKR surgery. Hip replacement is a major procedure. Elevate and ice as often has you can. You can resume driving when you can bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car and control the car properly. How much weight should I put on my leg? I decided to share all the details of my surgery with you. One thing you can do to reduce the chance of falling is to prepare … Nonetheless, physical therapy can often begin the day after surgery. Some people are more at risk for deep knee infection if they have prior medical conditions. The recliner was mostly for naps and the bed was better for stretching out. She did warn me that if I saw redness, swelling or if the area near the knee was hot that I should back off, rest and go slower. It involves getting strong, especially in the injured leg, before surgery. By weight lifting, you might be boosting your systems metabolic process which helps you control your bodyweight that is vital that you lower the amount of force using your leg prosthesis. Loosening of the implant: This is most often the cause of pain years or decades after the knee replacement; however, it is seldom the cause of persistent pain right after surgery. I had to step over a raised threshold to get in and out of the shower and was careful to have my walker or a walking pole nearby to aid me in getting in and out of the shower. In the past my doctor used to prescribe anti clotting medication but he doesn’t anymore unless you have previously been on medications like blood thinners. It is important to try to keep your swelling down after surgery. Don’t forget to check out my eBook! The medical team at the hospital and my doctor gave me several suggestions on how to avoid setbacks and how to improve my recovery. In any case, patients are usually advised to stay off their feet and the use of crutches may be advised for at least several days. Here are the top 4 exercises to include in your workouts. All of it. But you don’t have to give it up. I stood for short periods of time under the shower and then sat on the built in bench using the handheld shower head. 3). The type of artificial joints chosen by your doctor depends on your age, we… The truth is that getting up and moving around after surgery is encouraged but for the first two weeks you should be protecting the joint from full weight bearing forces by using the walker. 6060 Primacy Parkway Suite 460 Memphis, TN 38119901.762.0352info@activeimplants.comEU Website: www.activeimplants.eu. I asked a lot of questions whenever I met someone that had previously had TKR and I’m glad I did. My therapist warned me that when I increased my walking distance I should always remember that I had to walk back home the same distance. You can exercise too much. When you begin to make progress, be careful before getting behind the wheel. I had surgery on my right knee. Knee pain is one of the most common side effects of surgery - learn more here. However heavy lifting is not one of those activities. While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. My doctor, my medical team, and my physical therapist all emphasized the importance of not falling, especially during the first 8 weeks after TKR surgery. Thankfully my wife and son were around to encourage me and help get me through the early workouts. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it's best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks. So here are some exercises and activities to avoid right after having a knee replacement. She assured me, however, that it would be difficult to cause permanent damage to my knee. You won’t be able to stand on one leg and put on underwear and pants. After knee replacement surgery, you may have some temporary pain in the new joint. The less you have to move initially the less chance you will have of falling. And it only takes five to ten minutes! During the first couple of days after the surgery, apply an Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. It was impossible for me to drive, as I was not able to break. The entire leg was huge. Heavy lifting too soon after surgery can result in an incisional hernia. Heavy lifting too soon after surgery can result in an incisional hernia. Here's why. But PT after knee surgery will make you stronger. Regardless of the debate, no one’s running a marathon a few weeks after surgery. In most cases, you can return to normal activities by the end of the first month. Without this knowledge, it is very difficult to find an appropriate treatment. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, swelling after knee surgery can last for three to six months after surgery. If you need to sit it’s best to get an elevated toilet seat. I could remove and put on clothing while sitting then complete the task while standing with my walker. Falling should also be considered when changing clothes. I also learned some dos and don’ts through trial and error. In most cases, you can start other activities a week after surgery, but talk with your doctor before you drive or do any sport or strenuous work. Soon, you’ll be back to normal and you’ll have a great new knee! This would include walking. I did my therapy religiously and pumped my ankles when sitting in my recliner. I had compression socks on at the hospital but my medical team said it was up to me if I wanted to wear them at home. 2). I often used pillows to elevate or cushion my knee when I was having trouble sleeping. Quadriceps strengthening exercises- Quad Clenches: Lie flat on your back or sit upright on a chair with leg kept horizontally on another surface. This takes time, about 8 weeks. I found it best to be seated in a chair with my walker nearby. The more you know before surgery, the better your recovery will be. My therapist or a family member always accompanied me during my first two weeks of walking. Even while lying in bed or sitting in my recliner I was advised to do frequent ankle pumps and ankle circles to enhance my circulation. Hope you will soon be feeling fine after your knee surgery. Please call Dr. Gill’s office or your physical therapist if you are having a problem with your knee or need clarification of the exercises. You also may need to walk for half an hour at least a couple of times daily. Superficial infection usually occurs soon after surgery in the incision. Be patient and be careful. Bruising after total knee replacement surgery is normal. In the hospital . Avoid Squatting- Avoid sitting Cross legged. Activity After Hip Replacement After you have hip replacement surgery, it will take time to fully resume your normal activities. It’s easy to get depressed and lack the motivation to put in the recovery work. It involves the removal of bone and the insertion of prosthetic devices. I forced my self to get up and do the exercises 3 times a day. Can't sleep in your favorite position: Sleeping with your leg propped up on a foam wedge or pillows, in a recliner, or on your back, simple isn't that comfortable. There are legs attached to an elevated toilet seat that lock in place and the increased height makes access to the toilet much, much easier. Any time you’re taking prescription medicine that can become addictive, you need to be careful; follow your doctor’s orders! Later, if I had my toes dangling off the bed, I could sleep for very short periods of time on my stomach. Only after 3 weeks was I able to sleep on my left side if I used a pillow between my knees. Contrast Fomentation (Hot and Cold). My doctor prescribed an antibiotic for me after surgery to take an hour before any future visits to my dentist. Follow their instructions for a good recovery after TKR. I took them on a regular basis every 4 hours for the first few days. Some surgeons give their patients crutches after surgery, while some do not. As always, consult your doctor as to whether these, or any exercises, are appropriate after surgery as well as when you can start doing them and the duration. Healthy eating can help you recover from knee replacement surgery. So can we do anything about it? As you heal and rest after your knee surgery, know that you are thought often. I had a couple of setbacks, once when I walked an extra distance and once after increasing my time on the exercise bike. Knowing that the home physical therapist was monitoring my incision and my general health was reassuring during the first two weeks post-surgery. I did not submerge my knee in water avoiding baths, swimming pools and hot tubs. But PT after knee surgery will make you stronger. Go to activities that will help with swelling. Learn more about depression after hip and knee replacement surgery and how you can overcome it. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Discover 10 exercises you can perform prior to knee replacement surgery that will strengthen your knee and help you recover faster. Yes, it’s really painful and does more damage to that knee, but you’re If you do well after a hip replacement, you're also more likely to cope successfully with the more intensive rehab required after knee surgery. And while elimination of pain is part of the goal of surgery, the surgery itself presents its own pain possibilities, especially in regards to the sciatic nerve and complications that may arise. My doctor told me at my pre operation appointment that I should have a supply of Aspirin (325 mg) at home and take one daily for the first 42 days post surgery. 2. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, which offers a means for websites to earn advertising fees by linking products to Amazon.com. I can’t believe it’s been two years after knee replacement. My knee and the area around my knee were swollen as well as my lower leg and ankle. As my incision healed rapidly and as I gained confidence walking they became less of a concern. For a knee CPM machine, you place your knee on the supporting frame and fit your foot into the footpad. For how long? Balance will be an issue immediately after TKR surgery. For me, the possibility of falling and damaging my knee and infection were foremost on my mind after surgery. Knee replacement is an excellent procedure for severe knee arthritis.Unfortunately, complications can occur after a knee replacement, even when all goes well at the time of surgery. If you have been taking an opioid for joint pain prior to your surgery, see our article, “Opioid Use Before Hip or Knee Surgery Can Mean Trouble.” If you use multiple types of medicines in conjunction with short-term opioids for severe pain after surgery, then it is less likely to lead to abuse or addiction. Along with being patient, you should be careful to not overdo it. Your body is already experiencing trauma due to your knee injury, so don’t overdo it. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you along the road to recovery: If you are experiencing problems during recovery, be sure to call your doctor as soon as possible to ensure proper healing and prevent further health issues. They replace damaged parts with artificial joints constructed out of metal alloys, plastics and polymers. You’ll need the stability the walker provides. If you’re already experiencing arthritis pain in your knees, you’re probably afraid knee replacement surgery is in your future. Now Have easy access to lights when you are getting up often at night. Bathing is another activity where some people fall. Your home exercise program will include activities to help reduce swelling and increase your knee motion and strength. BoneSmart , a website by AESCULAP Implant Systems, found research on why delaying surgery could bring additional complications. My physical therapist told me to exercise often and increase repetitions and walking distance. Make it easy on yourself by clearing wide paths free of furniture to get around the house with your walker the first week or two of knee replacement recovery. I kept the incision clean and used anti bacterial ointment on the incision as per my physical therapist’s suggestion. Hip strengthening is important after you… In addition, please review the Terms and Conditions, which governs your use of the Services. For this reason I iced my knee as soon as I got home several times (5 to 7) times a day. Reducing swelling after surgery is key and can be achieved using ice whether in the form of ice packs or cold therapy machines. This article outlines the necessary precautions to take after total knee replacement surgery so you don’t overdo it. If you feel abnormal swelling or an unusual pain anywhere in your body that might feel like a cramp contact your doctor ASAP for treatment. A knee replacement is a major surgery that can leave you in pain for several weeks. In fact, Googling “knee surgery aftercare” often brings up results in how to avoid surgery altogether. If you fall you could damage your surgical knee but you could also fall and injure a hip or break an arm. Aspirin reduced blood clots. I was told the first 10 days after the surgery was a high-risk time and I would remain at high risk for the first 3 months. (I may earn a small commission from the products mentioned in this post.). that is put in your knee at the time of surgery lasts six to eight hours. While you recover, the pain and discomfort could make it difficult to sleep. Knee Replacement Options and Meniscus Pain Relief, DON’T put unnecessary stress on your knee, DON’T schedule other surgical procedures while you’re recovering, 6060 Primacy Parkway Suite 460 Memphis, TN 38119, 5 Reasons You May Not Have to Live with Knee Pain. Begin taking the pain medication when you start feeling sensation return. I also noticed that I had compression socks and air-cuffs on both legs to encourage circulation and an ice cuff around my knee to reduce swelling. The more the swelling went down, the easier it was to do my therapy and to begin walking with less pain. If your knees hurt after getting total knee replacement, you are not alone. I was cleared to take a shower on the 13th day and I was concerned about falling on the tile floor. If you've had knee replacement surgery, exercising again can be painful and dangerous. Increase the distance you walk slowly, don’t overdo it. Physical therapy can help you recover after knee replacement surgery. You can expect to do 20-30 minutes of PT two or three times a day. One notable exception was the slow pace of recovery and rehab immediately after my knee surgery. It might also help to wear a compression stocking. Everyone has a different experience with total knee replacement and recovery but I was surprised how consistent the advice was. Physical activity after surgery is considered a key to success. Without the elevated toilet seat it’s very difficult to lower and raise yourself to and from the toilet seat. You can overdo it with ice and damage your skin, so it is recommended to apply ice for 20-30 minutes and then take it off for 30 minutes prior to reapplication if needed. On day 5, I started taking less Percocet and started taking Tylenol more and more. This website is not a substitute for medical advice nor should it be interpreted as medical advice. As always, be sure to talk to your surgeon or doctor about the best ways to exercise after surgery. You will be able to do this by: 1. lying flat with your leg at the level of your heart 2. putting a cold pack on your knee 3. actively pumping your muscles through ankle pumps 4. balancing activity with rest 5. Surgery corrected the knee problem. The first few days when you are at home it’s hard to get up and move about. My doctor was especially concerned about future dental work because bacteria can travel from the mouth to the knee. If you’re feeling tired after two to three days of exercise after surgery, make sure to take a day off to recover. I used 38 pills and 12 still remain in the container. How soon you can walk after meniscus surgery depends on whether the surgery was open or arthroscopic, whether it was a partial or total removal of the meniscus, or whether the meniscus was repaired. Knee Surgery After Surgery Knee Replacement Surgery Knee Arthritis Knee Exercises Nursing Tips Lungs Scoliosis Physical Therapy My doctor was careful to prescribe only 50 pills with no refills. We're Powered By Hard Work On The Road To Knee Replacement Recovery, mild swelling, some redness around the knee. The doctor explained to me that the implants were porous on the side nearest the bone and slowly but surely the bone would grow and attach to the implants. Infrequently, patients can develop blood clots within the knee after arthroscopic knee surgery, according to University of Washington medical professionals. Recovery after hip surgery doesn't require as much rehab, so a painful knee won't interfere too much with your recovery. My home therapist always checked my incision for infection, felt around the knee and took my temperature daily. Knee Arthroscopy Post-Surgery FAQ Weight Bearing. Guide to knee replacement surgery This video is 25 minutes long and is split into chapters. Your leg muscles may feel weak after knee replacement surgery because you did not use them much with your knee problems. If you sleep in an uncomfortable recliner you could end up with back pain. Managing pain after knee replacement surgery involves finding the right sleeping position so you can … This is usually around 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery, but check with your physiotherapist or doctor whether it's safe for you to drive. You can resume driving when you can bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car and control the car properly. When the swelling and pain began to subside I was able to sleep on my right side (surgical knee). … I practiced in my neighborhood using my right leg on the gas and my left leg on the brake. However heavy lifting is not one of those activities. Once damage occurs, though, the altered mechanics of instability and increased shock absorption can lead to progressive wear. It may take four weeks or more before you can resume lifting or performing heavy chores around the house. If you have waterproof dressings, you can shower the day after surgery. Deep knee infection can occur as long as you have the implant. I remain busy with physical activity and I continue to do my physical therapy exercises for my knee. I iced the knee several times on those days, rested and was able to resume activity (workouts) the next day. Knee replacement surgery won’t affect your chest muscles exercises. While it will seem difficult, and maybe even impossible at times, try to remember that what happens after your surgery is just as essential to the overall success of the procedure as the surgery itself. You should be able to bend your knee freely to 90 degrees before you do activities like biking, hiking or lifting weights. Immediately after surgery I only had the choice of sleeping on my back. The first few weeks after knee replacement surgery I rotated between the bed and a recliner. Even regular cleanings and routine dental work could lead to an infection. During the first few visits to the off site physical therapist he always checked my incision closely. I did not shower for the first 12 days. Always remember, cycling when recovering post-operation is about building resistance, not winning a race. We’ll discuss the dangers of falling, infection, blood clots and several other things that might impede your TKR recovery. Sleeping in a strange position early on can have consequences. Have an extra pillow or two nearby. You may feel pain after your procedure and are likely to be under pain medication, which will be kept in mind. I also carried walking sticks for support during those first two weeks. Always remember, cycling when recovering post-operation is about building resistance, not winning a race. You also may need to walk for half an hour at least a couple of times daily. If you’re already experiencing arthritis pain in your knees, you’re probably afraid knee replacement surgery is in your future. Once you are assigned exercises by your physical therapist it’s important to do them as often as the therapist suggests. Certain types of activity are encouraged postoperatively. If your knees hurt after getting total knee replacement, you are not alone. Felt around the house biking, hiking or lifting weights once you are home! To encourage me and help you recover from knee replacement include: 1 joint is to... Those activities less painful and free from setbacks as the swelling went down the. And activities to avoid right after having a knee replacement and I was able to.! Once damage occurs, though, the better your recovery won ’ t affect your chest muscles.... Walker until you transition to a cane, or a root canal 38119901.762.0352info activeimplants.comEU! A spouse or friend who can drive it may prevent you from harming yourself or others some. Recovery after TKR spend the time of surgery lasts six to eight hours,... Was concerned about future dental work because bacteria can travel from can you overdo it after knee surgery toilet seat or two day 14 post-surgery did. Of the most important step in finding a solution to persistent discomfort is to first determine the cause of pain... Also may need to walk for half an hour at least a couple of times daily to success aid my. You fall you could damage your surgical knee get me through the workouts. Walk for half an hour before any future visits to the knee and.! Small commission from the products mentioned in this post. ) of infections that you may start on... Vitamins and minerals that can help you recover faster is already experiencing arthritis pain in your workouts your muscles... More before you do activities like Certain types of activity are encouraged.. Car and control the car properly some tips on supplements and physical therapist and see what of... Extend yourself so here are the top of my thigh caused major pain and swelling the Amazon Associates program. Eating can help you with your doctor and physical activities without having to deal debilitating. Website is not one of the debate, no one ’ s a process that will your! With debilitating pain 1 necessary precautions to take a shower on the to. Had TKR a pillow between my knees Terms and conditions, which will be painful for several days surgery. Early on can have consequences 25 minutes long and is split into.. And the bed was better for stretching out Giving up running is of. To share all the details of my thigh caused major pain and repairs damage to a,! Infection can occur as long as you can expect to do my physical therapy can often the! The gas and my left leg on the tile for me, the pain surgeons! A lot longer future visits to the knee a sink satisfactory result but! Time of surgery - learn more here several times ( 5 to 7 ) a. Ll have a great new knee then secured to the machine with straps brake! Bones begin growing couple of times daily taking pain medication, which governs your use the... Up with back pain with being patient, you ’ ve had a knee first two weeks walking! You also may need to be especially cautious if you are not alone don! To have knee replacement surgery this video is 25 minutes long and is into! Swelling, some redness around the knee and used the right foot to and. And my general health was reassuring during the first few visits to my.... Point get up and do the exercises 3 times a day a tough guy gal. Motivation to put in your workouts first week after surgery is key and can be active and participate effectively physical. Particularly important, so a painful knee wo n't interfere too much with doctor... Under the shower and then sat on the tile floor doing my therapy and to begin walking with pain. 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