Preparing for your Surgery

How should I prepare?

After the surgery, pain and weakness may limit your ability to care for yourself or manage your home for a while. It is important to arrange for help so that you can rest and concentrate on exercise and recovery.

Here are some activities that you may need help with:

You can expect to be discharged within 1-3 days after surgery. Preparing your home and arranging for assistance from family and friends will enable you to have an early and smooth transition home. If it is not possible to arrange such assistance, our team will work with you to assess your needs and make suitable recommendations. Should you require help in this area, speak to your doctor or case manager prior to admission for advance discharge planning.

Pre-surgery exercises

Performing the following exercises before surgery will prepare your muscles and soft tissues for the knee replacement by strengthening and stretching them.

You may continue with the exercises post-surgery. This will help you regain strength and movement quicker. Where necessary, consult your physiotherapist regarding the exercises.

Isometric quads

Sit upright with your back supported. Place a towel under the ankle, tighten your thigh muscles and straighten your affected knee.

• Hold for 10 secs

• Perform 10 repetitions, 3 sets a day

• Repeat on the other side

Straight leg raise Lie down and bend one knee for support. Lift your other leg off the bed, keeping the knee straight. Slowly lower it down.

• Hold for 10 secs

• Perform 10 repetitions, 3 sets a day

• Repeat on the other side

Hamstring stretch

Sit upright with your back supported. Straighten your knee and lean forward till you feel a stretch at the back of your thigh.

• Hold for 30 secs

• Perform 3 repetitions, once a day

• Repeat on the other side

Calf stretch

Standing supported, place one leg behind. Keep that knee straight, with your heel on the ground. Bend your other knee slightly till you feel a stretch at the calf.

• Hold for 30 secs

• Perform 3 repetitions, once a day

• Repeat on the other side

Quadriceps stretch

Standing supported, wrap a towel around one ankle and pull the towel towards your buttock until you feel a stretch at the front of your thigh.

• Hold for 30 secs

• Perform 3 repetitions, once a day

• Repeat on the other side

• No squatting toilet

• Keep the floor dry

• Prepare a shower chair to sit while showering

• Place items within reach of shower chair

Bedroom

• Avoid sleeping on the floor or low beds/mattresses which can be difficult to get up from

You may need help from family and friends the first few weeks after discharge. Arrange for help so that you can concentrate on exercise and recovery!

• Avoid low stools which can be difficult to get up from

• Choose seats that are higher and preferably with arm rests

• Remove any items placed on the ground or at doorways (such as electrical cords) that put you at risk of tripping or falling

• Ensure walking paths are wide enough for you and your walking aid

Steps, kerbs & stairs

• If your home is multi-level, try to stay on the ground level

• Inform your therapists if you have steps, kerbs or stairs in your home