The importance of teaching people to get on and off the ground after a knee replacement

One of the most harmful myths we hear post total knee replacement is that “you will never be able to kneel again”. Sadly this has limited people from getting back to gardening, getting in the floor with their grandkids, and so much more…and I’m here to tell you it’s the biggest bunch of bologna.

Not only do we have research to back up the importance of kneeling in rehab post TKA (check out this research article doi:10.1016/j.arth.2012.02.016) but we also can look at our friends who are post amputation. The first thing we work once the scar is healed is desensitizing it, and using crossfriction scar massage so that they can eventually tolerate a prosthesis. So why in the world would we not do the same for our friends post TKA? Getting on and off the floor is essential for participating in life, preventing falls, and maintaining independence. If this is not part of your rehab routine, it can limit your overall progress.

Now you might be thinking, Shelby I already had my knee done 5, 10, 15+ years ago- I’m a lost cause. Don’t you fret, we can still work on these items and get you back to kneeling in no time! If you aren’t sure where to start, give us a call and we’d be happy to help!