Overview
‣ This information includes the physical therapist management
of adults with knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary total knee
arthroplasty total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
‣ Chronic knee pain is the most common cause of activity limitations
and disability in the United States.
‣ This often leads to TKA, also known as total knee replacement,
which is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries.
‣ The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve
severe pain caused by osteoarthritis.
‣ If nonsurgical treatments like medications and using walking
supports are no longer helpful, you may want to consider total knee
replacement surgery. This is a decision that should be made along
with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist.
‣ Total knee replacement can help relieve pain and restore function in
severely diseased knee joints.
‣ During total knee replacement surgery, the damaged part of your
knee is removed and replaced with a man-made implant.
‣ The success of your knee replacement surgery is enhanced with
physical therapy before and after surgery.
‣ You, your surgeon and physical therapist are an essential team for
producing the best result from your knee replacement. Starting
physical therapy care early and following your program through to
the end will assure the maximum benefit and quickest recovery time.
