Beginning physical therapy within 24 hours of knee arthroplasty surgery can improve pain, range of joint motion and muscle strength as well as cut hospital stays, according to new research in Clinical Rehabilitation.
Physical therapy and public health researchers from Almeria, Malaga and Granada in Spain compared patients who began treatment within 24 hours of surgery with those who began 48 to 72 hours after their operation in a random, controlled clinical trial. Each group had more than 150 patients, ages 50 to 75.
The post-operative treatment began with a series of leg exercises, breathing exercises, and tips on posture. By the second day, walking short distances with walking aids was added. In subsequent days the regimen built up to adapting to daily life activities, such as beginning to climb stairs on the fourth day.
On average, those beginning treatment earlier stayed in hospital two days less than the control group and had five fewer rehabilitation sessions before discharge. An early start also led to less pain, greater range of joint motion both in leg flexion and extension, improved muscle strength and higher scores in tests for gait and balance.
Other benefits of early mobilization after this surgery are fewer complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, chest infection and urinary retention. With hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, also a serious concern, a shorter hospital stay also might lower the risk to patients of contracting this type of secondary infection.
source: todayinpt.com
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