Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes a small incision in your skin and inserts a camera in order to look at the inside of a joint. It is done to treat problems within a joint. Knee arthroscopy is a common treatment option for a variety of knee injuries. While each operation is unique and recovery time will vary, a proper rehabilitation period is needed following all knee arthroscopy surgeries to ensure maximum results.
Phase 1
Phase 1 occurs during the first two weeks following surgery. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital, the goals of phase one are to control pain and swelling, maintain knee motion, and activate the quadriceps muscles. Exercises during this time will focus on regaining full range of motion in your knee. This will allow you to begin walking and applying weight to your knee without pain, as well as begin to strengthen your muscles. During this time, you can use crutches if walking is uncomfortable. You should also apply a cold pack to your knee to reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice as often as needed for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Phase 2
Phase 2 lasts from two to six weeks after your operation. Your goals during this time will include protecting your knee from overstress and allowing it to heal, regaining full motion, and regaining full muscle strength. The MGH recommends performing your physical therapy exercises everyday for the first week and every other day the following weeks. According to the Austin Diagnostic Clinic, at the end of this phase your should be able to walk normally, have control of your quadriceps muscle, and be able to ascend and descend stairs. Continue to ice your knee as needed.
Phase 3
According to MGH, you may gradually resume your previous activities after six weeks if you have full range-of-motion, full strength and no swelling. However, you should continue you're your physical therapy to ensure your injury heals completely. Phase 3 lasts from six to 12 weeks post-op. This phase will focus on gaining full control of your quadriceps as well as building strength in your quad. Without proper toning of your quad, higher-intensity work cannot be done.
Phase 4
Phase 4, three to six months after surgery, focuses on high-intensity exercises in order to gain strength needed for athletic competitions or physically demanding jobs. These exercises will be high-intensity but fewer reps in order to build strength. You can also begin to run, jump and swim during phase 4.
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