Knee replacement surgery requires a period of rehabilitation with restricted activity. Returning to pre-surgery activity levels will take time, and it may be necessary to alternate normal activities with ones less stressful for the joint. Swimming is recommended after a knee replacement to strengthen and mobilize the joint, especially if weight-bearing exercise is painful.
Severe arthritis or an injury to the knee may create enough damage that a knee replacement is required. In some cases high-impact or repetitive activities may have contributed to a knee problem. Surgery is usually reserved for times when the pain is intense or the ability to walk and be independent is restricted, according to the National Institutes of Health. Surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing those areas with artificial parts made of plastic or metal. Rehabilitation after surgery helps patients learn how to modify activities to prevent future problems.
Recovery
After returning from the hospital the patient needs to keep his incision clean and give it time to heal to prevent infections. It will be a few weeks before he can shower or get the knee wet, and he may need a cane or crutches. For the first three to six weeks only light activities are allowed. During this period the surgeon and physical therapist will keep track of the patient's progress and say when it is OK to resume activities such as swimming. The Arthritis Foundation states that patients who return to activities the soonest are the ones who followed the doctor's and physical therapist's advice concerning activity and recovery.
Warning
Patients can attempt swimming six to eight weeks after the wound has healed, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. However, the initial stage of recovery after knee replacement should focus on gaining strength and range of motion. This means that actual swimming activity may be limited at first. The first time back in the water the patient may not be able to bend her knee enough to perform a strong kick, and muscle weakness and soreness may make full out swimming difficult. Some patients take six to 12 months to recover fully.
Types
When first getting back into the water it may be helpful to do specific exercises along with a swimming program. Exercises such as water walking, water aerobics, squats, leg lifts, toe and heel raises, and knee stretches strengthen the muscles to support swimming. Working out in the water takes pressure off of the knee joint, but it also builds strength as the body pushes through the water.
Practice swim kicks by holding a kick board or noodle until control, strength and flexibility return. As the knee gets better, progress to holding on to the edge of the pool and working your legs and arms together. Slowly work up to swimming without any support for short periods. A new knee will move differently and it will take some time to learn to swim with it.
Solution
Swimming is only one of the recommended activities after a knee replacement. Combine it with other strength-training and flexibility exercises. Swimming, while a good workout, requires repetitive bending of the knee, which can lead to overuse and future problems. A physician or physical therapist can recommend land-based exercises using weights and/or machines to keep the muscles that surround the knee strong. Combine these with stretches to keep the muscles loose, and follow a regular routine to keep the knee joint healthy and functioning properly.
