Rehabilitation Strategies in Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Replacement: Enhancing Mobility and Functional Outcomes
Laljibhai Makwana
Abstract
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a highly effective surgical procedure for patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, reducing pain and improving the patient's quality of life. Nevertheless, the success of TKR goes more than the surgical intervention and relies significantly on some aggressive, effective strategies in physical therapy (PT). All these strategies are with the intention to provide locomotion, improve functional results, and encourage independence in basic everyday tasks. PT contains a number of protocols, such as a range of motion, for example, progressive resistive exercises, balance retraining, and gait training for each patient, depending on the stage of their recovery. Technologically advanced interventions, including robotic-based therapy, telerehabilitation, and wearable technology-based interventions, have made post-TKR Rehabilitation even more innovative. The PT in patients after TKR is discussed in this paper with a special focus on the stages of Rehabilitation, major interventions, and individualized clinical plans. Furthermore, it focuses on factors that may hinder the successful Rehabilitation process and how Rehabilitation can be enhanced by collaboration with members of the different Fachrichtungen. This study draws on reviewing the recent evidence and the current knowledge on clinical best practices to argue that PT plays a crucial part in regaining a sustainable, functional status and enhancing patients' quality of life after TKR.