If the joint is too severely damaged, the only treatment that can really help is often a partial or total replacement. Partial replacements replace only the affected part of the joint. A total replacement replaces all of the joint surfaces and sometimes involves inserting a hinge. Similar physiological guidelines apply in the aftercare treatment of knee and hip replacements.
What is it?
There are three parts of the knee joint surface. The inner and outer surface on the upper and lower leg, and the rear side of the kneecap. This is not always replaced.
In the hip, surgeons use shaft prosthetics that have one longer end that they guide into the thigh bone. In some cases, however, you may only need a new cap on the head of the joint.
Regardless of which parts are replaced, a relatively large cut through the surrounding tissue is required. This can also affect the muscles. This means that the incision site may be sensitive to tension and strain after the surgery.
What’s important at this stage?
You will make quick progress in your training within the first six weeks. In rare cases, however, you may need to reduce the load.
Consult a physiotherapist for guidance in your training and raise the intensity slowly but consistently. The knee in particular will be sensitive to the strains of training at the start. Regaining balance, a sense of the body’s midline and a consistent approach to building strength are crucial.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Perka
CharitéCenter for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Berlin
«We rarely see patients who move too much. The majority do too little exercise after a hip replacement.»
You can start to train on the Sensopro devices just a few days after your operation. The two independent tapes help you to keep your bodyweight centred from the start and to get your stabilising muscles firing.
We recommend the following training:
Physio / Lower Extremities and Gait Training
Health / Easy Activation and Safety in everyday life
