How to Sleep after Knee Replacement | Knee Replacement, Injury or Surgery
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URVB2JXyD_k&t=79s
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Knee Replacement Sleep: Post-Surgery Positioning Guide
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Discover optimal sleep positions and bed adjustments for comfortable recovery after knee replacement surgery. Expert tips on pillows, bed height, and swelling management for better rest.
Knee Replacement Sleep: Finding Comfort and Rest After Surgery
Recovering from knee replacement surgery is challenging. Pain, swelling, and limited mobility make even simple tasks difficult, including something as fundamental as sleep. Getting enough rest is crucial for healing, however, and the right positioning can significantly improve your comfort and aid recovery. This guide offers expert advice and practical tips to help you find the most comfortable sleep positions and make necessary bed adjustments post-surgery.
Preparing Your Sleep Environment Before Surgery
Before undergoing knee replacement, proactively assess your sleeping arrangements. A bed that’s too high or too low can complicate post-surgical recovery. If your bed is high, consider purchasing a step stool with a handle for easier access. This simple addition can make a significant difference in your ability to get in and out of bed independently. Conversely, a low bed might require a bed rail or a sturdy support pole to assist you in getting up. These aids will support you during recovery, especially if you’ve had a double knee replacement. Planning ahead eliminates unnecessary stress during a vulnerable time.
Essential Supplies for Post-Surgical Sleep Comfort
Pillows are your best friends after knee surgery. You’ll need more than your usual number, and a variety of thicknesses and firmness levels is crucial. The goal is to support your sore knee while maintaining proper body alignment for uninterrupted rest. You need to strategically position pillows to cushion the knee while preventing prolonged bending or extending, which can exacerbate pain. Experiment with different placements to find what works best for you, remembering that finding the right balance between support and comfort is key to improving your sleep quality and promoting healing.
Back Sleeping Position: Naps and Swelling Management
Many find back sleeping comfortable for short periods, mainly for naps. Use a thin pillow for neck support to maintain spinal alignment. For your knee, a plush pillow under your calf offers support without forcing the knee into an uncomfortable position. This approach helps to avoid strain and allows for better rest. Placing the pillow under your ankle encourages straightening of the leg, which is important for the recovery process. However, this can be uncomfortable, so for longer periods, the calf support is recommended. Elevating your leg for swelling management is important and can easily be achieved by using additional pillows under the calf, elevating your foot above your heart. In cases of significant swelling, a wedge pillow can provide better support and promote fluid drainage. But remember, this elevation is best suited for short periods, not an entire night’s sleep.
Side Sleeping Position: The Most Comfortable Choice for Extended Periods
Side sleeping often provides the most prolonged comfort for knee replacement patients. A slightly higher pillow supports your head, maintaining natural spinal alignment. Position your surgical leg straight down into the mattress for support. Place a pillow between your legs to prevent pressure on the incision and to provide additional comfort. This is important because the incision is on the side of the knee, so resting the non-surgical leg directly on top can create pressure and discomfort. Some patients find a pillow placed along the surgical knee helps. For additional comfort and support, another pillow under your upper arm allows a cozy, comfortable position. While you may shift positions throughout the night, this side-lying method will likely be the most restful.
Optimizing Sleep for Faster Recovery
Finding a comfortable sleep position is crucial for post-surgical recovery. Not only does it improve sleep quality, but it also impacts your overall healing process. During the initial phase of recovery, prioritize comfort. However, gradually try to encourage extending your leg whenever possible to promote flexibility and healing. Positioning is key; don’t rush into difficult postures. The goal is to progress slowly to enhance your mobility, reducing pain and improving your range of motion. This process combines comfort and therapeutic positioning to improve sleep and aid recovery.
Conclusion: Rest Well, Recover Better
Post-knee replacement surgery sleep is paramount for your recovery. Experiment with different pillow placements and bed adjustments to find your optimal positions. Prioritize comfort, but aim for gradual improvement in leg extension, promoting healing and restoring your mobility. Remember, patience and strategic positioning are crucial elements of your recovery journey. Getting enough sleep will allow your body to heal faster.
Patellofemoral Knee Post Op Rehab
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https://www.g220isda.com/s/patellofemoral-knee-replacement-post-op-instructions-and-rehab-14jan.pdf
Laith M Jazrawi, MD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Chief, Division of Sports Medicine T 646-501-7223
Post-Operative Instructions Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
Day of surgery
Diet as tolerated
Icing is important for the first 5-7 days post-op. While the post-op dressing is in place, icing should be done
continuously. Once the dressing is removed on the third post-operative day, ice is applied for 20-minute periods 3-4 times per day. Care must be taken with icing to avoid frostbite. Alternatively, Cryocuff or Game- ready ice cuff can be used as per instructions.
Pain medication as needed every 4 hours (refer to pain medication sheet).
Make sure you have a physical therapy post-op appointment scheduled during the first week after surgery.
Video instructions for your brace can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyRZkSyFBOQ
First Post-Operative Day
Continue ice pack every 1-2 hours while awake or at least twenty minutes prior to and after exercise
session.
Pain medication as needed.
Second Post-Operative Day Until Return Visit
Continue ice pack as needed.
Unless otherwise noted, weight-bearing is toe-touching only for the first 4 weeks after surgery. After 4
weeks, you can bear as much weight on the affected leg as you can tolerate. Most patients use crutches for
the first 2-3 weeks.
Call our office @ 646-501-7223 option 4, option 2 to confirm your first postoperative visit, which is
usually about 1-2 weeks after surgery if you have not been given a time. If you are experiencing any problems, please call our office or contact us via the internet at www.newyorkortho.com.
Third Post-Operative Day
A. You may remove surgical bandage and shower this evening. Apply 4x4 (or similar size) waterproof bandage to these wounds prior to showering and when showering is complete apply fresh waterproof bandage. Please ensure that the bandage is large enough to completely cover the incision. You will need to follow this routine for 2 weeks after surgery.
NYU Langone Orthopedic Center
333 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016 T 646-501-7223 F 646-754-9505 www.NewYorkOrtho.com
Laith M Jazrawi, MD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Chief, Division of Sports Medicine T 646-501-7223
Rehabilitation Protocol: Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________ Diagnosis: _______________________________________________________ Date of Surgery: ______________________
Phase I (Weeks 0-3)
Weightbearing: Weight bearing as tolerated with the use of crutches, a walker, or a cane
Range of Motion
o No passive or active flexion range of motion greater than 90 degrees for the first two weeks to avoid stress on sutures/stitches.
o Passive range of motion <90 degrees (secondary to stitches) after two weeks
• Therapeutic Exercises
o Patellar mobilization
o Quad/Hamstring/ Adductor /Gluteal sets - Straight leg raises/ Ankle pumps
Phase II (Weeks 3-8)
Weightbearing: Full weight bearing, goal to discontinue crutches/walker/cane with normal gait pattern
Range of Motion – Active ROM 0-120 degrees
Therapeutic Exercises
o Continue with Quad/Hamstring/Core strengthening o Begin stationary bike for ROM
o Gait training
Phase III (Weeks 8-12)
Low impact activities and no twisting or pivoting until week 12
Weightbearing: Full weightbearing, normal gait pattern
Range of Motion – Full painless ROM
Therapeutic Exercises
o Begin closed chain exercises - wall sits/shuttle/mini-squats/toe raises
o Continue with Quad/Hamstring/Core strengthening
o Begin unilateral stance activities
o Add lateral training exercises (i.e. lateral steps, lateral step-ups, step overs) as able.
Phase IV (3-6 months)
Weightbearing: Full weightbearing with a normal gait pattern
Therapeutic exercise
o Advance closed chain strengthening exercises, proprioception activities
o Recommended activities: elliptical, cycle, walking, aquatic exercise, low impact aerobics, yoga, tai
chi, Theraball exercises
o NOT recommended – deep squatting or lunging, kneeling or plyometrics
• Maintenance program for strength and endurance Comments:
Frequency: ______ times per week Duration: ________ weeks
Signature: _____________________________________________________
NYU Langone Orthopedic Center
333 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016 T 646-501-7223 F 646-754-9505 www.NewYorkOrtho.com
Date: ___________________________
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
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Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.