Actions to avoid after artificial joint surgery and recommended exercises

After artificial joint replacement surgery, there are no major restrictions on daily life, but in East Asian cultures, activities such as prolonged sitting, squatting, and sitting on the floor and getting up should be avoided.

 

Sitting in a squatting position for a long time while performing repetitive tasks can not only be uncomfortable but also cause the implanted artificial joint to wear out quickly.

 

After artificial joint surgery, it is better to use a bed instead of sleeping on a mat, avoid using the toilet seat and instead use a bidet, use a mop rather than squatting on the floor to clean, and sit on a chair at the dining table rather than placing a tray on the floor.

 

Rehabilitation after artificial joint replacement

 

The process is carried out in stages according to the post-surgery period. It primarily focuses on four elements: mobility, stability, strength, and power. Joint range-of-motion exercises and muscle strengthening exercises are performed simultaneously, tailored and personalized to the patient's condition. During rehabilitation exercises, careful observation of pain and swelling at the surgical site is necessary, progressing gradually.

 

Immediately after surgery, managing the surgical wound, pain, and swelling is the most important. Depending on the condition, appropriate joint range of motion exercises should be started from the beginning, gradually increasing the range to restore normal joint mobility. Bending exercises for the knee are important, but stretching to fully straighten the leg should also be performed together.

 

From the early stages after surgery, isometric contraction exercises can be performed within a safe range to strengthen the thigh and calf muscles and restore joint stability. Additionally, they can improve blood circulation throughout the lower limbs and help recover joint proprioception.

 

In the postoperative rehabilitation process, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint is the most important. Typically, it begins with isometric exercises and progresses to isotonic contraction exercises. In particular, eccentric contraction exercises, where the muscle lengthens while contracting, are crucial. Repeated eccentric contractions help absorb external shocks to the joint, reducing the risk of injury and ultimately preventing further damage.

 

Once past the initial postoperative rehabilitation stage and entering the phase of preparing to return to daily life, it is necessary to enhance overall strength to facilitate more smooth functional joint movements and improve exercise performance. It is advisable for an orthopedic specialist to accurately assess each patient's muscle strength condition and set appropriate exercise intensities to proceed with the exercises.

 

After approximately 3 to 6 months of initial rehabilitation following artificial joint replacement surgery, most exercises are possible except for running and jumping. Recommended activities include walking, aquatic exercises such as swimming and aqua aerobics, indoor cycling, light hiking, and golf.