Before Surgery
‣ The better physical shape you are in before surgery, the better your
results will be.
‣ Doing an exercise program prescribed by a physical therapist that
includes strengthening and flexibility exercises is associated with
better function after surgery.
‣ Before your surgery, your physical therapist and care team should
explain to you what to expect before, during and after the surgery.
This may include:
• Exercises to prepare for surgery
• What to expect after surgery
• What to bring with you to the surgery center
• What equipment you will need after surgery
• Planning discharge from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility or back to
your home
• The rehabilitation program that includes regaining a normal range of knee
motion, strengthening, walking, fall prevention, and maintaining balance
• Encouraging healing during the first week after surgery
• Techniques to help you safely move around as you recover
• Use of assistive devices such as walkers and canes
• Precautions and things you can do to your home to reduce the chance of
accidental falls
‣ Some ways you can prepare your home before surgery include:
• Safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath
• Secure handrails along your stairways
• A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion (and a height
of 18 to 20 inches), a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg
elevation
• A toilet seat riser with arms, if you have a low toilet
• A stable shower bench or chair for bathing
• Removing all loose carpets and cords
• A temporary living space on the same floor because walking up or down
stairs will be more difficult during your early recovery
