Knee replacement surgery is usually performed after conservative treatment options have been exhausted for arthritis or joint degeneration following injury or wear and tear. Every year in the US alone, over 300,000 Total Knee Replacements (TKR) are performed. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons this number is expected to increase by 525% by year 2030.
General treatment guidelines following your knee surgery to facilitate your rehabilitation process:
* Can expect pain for 8-12 weeks following surgery – use the pain medications prescribed by your MD. Ice, exercise and keeping the weight off the knee will help too.
* Avoid excessive walking for the first 2 months. Contrary to popular belief, walking more is not going to help you heal faster. Your knees are a load bearing joint and you just had a major surgery. The more you load the joint by walking and standing, the more it will get irritated and inflamed. More inflammation – the more swelling – the less your local muscles around your joint will work. Especially the quadriceps tends to shut down and atrophy. So walk for FUNCTION…walk short distances and don’t get the knee irritated.
* Use your walker first 2 months. It will help you keep the load off the joint and allow healing to take place faster.
* Focus on exercises in non-weight bearing position – laying on your back or sitting (consult your Physical Therapist)
* Stationary bike can be a good option – once you have adequate bend in the knee.
* Initially, ice 4-5 times a day and elevate your leg to keep the swelling and inflammation under control. After the first few weeks, hot pack can be more helpful.
* See your Physical Therapist as soon as your Orthopedic surgeon allows you to start Physical Therapy after the surgery.
* Remember it is your knee. Take responsibility and do your exercises and follow recommendations by your MD or Physical Therapist – so you don’t have to suffer or live with a problematic knee. It can take up to 1 year for the knee to heal after the surgery and for you to get back to all your activities. This may vary from person to person.
Focus on maintaining good health throughout this process to help your body heal properly. Be patient with yourself and work diligently.
Ayurveda – holistic medicine for post surgical healing after knee replacement surgery
According to Ayurveda, any surgical procedure aggravates Vata. Since is Vata is present and responsible whenever there is pain, pacifying Vata is of the utmost importance. In addition to following the above mentioned Physical Therapy guidelines, using natural remedies can greatly help the recovery process.
Ayurvedic remedies to help recovery after surgery:
- Balance vata (space and air): Decrease dry, light, cold, rough, hard, subtle, hyperactive, astringent, bitter, dry spicy, and thin qualities. Promote moisture, oiliness, heaviness, warmth, softness, groundedness, and calmness (relax, don’t worry, be happy)
- Follow a Vata pacifying diet: avoid dry, light, cold, rough, astringent, bitter and spicy foods. Favor cooked, moist, warm, sour, salty, sweet foods.
- Stay warm, avoid cold, dry and windy weather.
- Daily meditation to bring mindfulness, focus and calm. Will enable you to balance the mind and nervous system to make the right choices. Will also improve your ability to handle post surgical pain.
- Warm Mahanarayan oil massage to the knee (after the incision site is completely closed), followed with heating pad.
Massage whole body with Sesame oil (Vata constitution), Sunflower oil (Pitta constitution) and Sesame oil/Almond oil (Kapha constitution). Can also use Ashwagandha/Bala oil to strengthen the body and pacify Vata.
- If you are experiencing trouble sleeping use Bhringaraj oil – massage warm oil on scalp and soles of the feet. Refer to post on Having trouble sleeping? Consider these natural remedies..
- Natural herbal supplements can also help during the recovery process. Ayurvedic herbal product such as Musta, Ashwagandha, Kaishore Guggulu, Punarnava Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu, Triphala, etc can be very helpful.
Ashwagandha is one of the top 10 herbs in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. It is an adaptogen (increases the body’s ability to adapt to internal or external stress). It is used to invigorate and strengthen the whole body while calming the nervous system.*
Ashwagandha – Male Libido Enhancer, Rejuvenates, Combats Stress and Gives Strength*
Yograj Guggulu combines the powerful combination of detoxifying herbs including, Triphala, Chitrak and Musta and with the penetrating and cleansing qualities of Guggulu. Yograj Guggulu helps to remove deep seated toxins from the body – especially from the joints, muscles and nerves. *
Yograj Guggulu – For Joint, Muscle and Nerve Pain*
Triphala is one of the most important detoxifying and rejuvenative herbal formulas in Ayurveda. It has been used for thousands of years to promote internal cleansing, improve metabolism and nourish tissues. It is a combination of “three fruits” Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, which are an important part of many classical healing compounds.
Triphala – Anti-Oxidant, Detox, Rejuvenative, Colon Cleanse*
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The above information was written by Manu Kalia, Clinical Ayurvedic Herbalist and Physical Therapist for the exclusive use of TriDosha Wellness Products. The information is protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without the written permision of Manu Kalia and TriDosha Wellness Products. More about Manu Kalia.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Persons with known medical conditions should consult with their physician before taking this or any other dietary supplement. Information on this web site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of us and others; we encourage you to make your health care decisions in partnership with a qualified health care professional.