When Can I Go Back To Work After A Knee Replacement?

Once you have your knee replaced then comes the rehabilitation period. This can last from six to ten weeks depending on your age, prior level of function and if there was any complications with the surgical procedure.

Today is not uncommon to hear people who are receiving knee replacements in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. With minimally invasive surgical techniques along with better technology with prosthetic components being developed, the number of younger adults having their knees replaced has grown tremendously without the fear of early prosthetic failure and other limitations that older knee components had in the past.

The time frame when you can get back to work after knee replacement surgery in most cases has already been discussed with your surgeon therefore, you will have a good idea when you can return to the workforce. There are considerations that have to be made of course, one of the biggest being your occupation. There are also factors that happen during your rehabilitation also that can dictate and influence when you may return to work and, if you are on schedule to return in the allotted time you have off for recovery.

One of the most important things you can do to help get yourself back to work as early as possible is to stay compliant with your exercise program that has been issued to you by your physical therapist. Generally this is not a problem with patients that have undergone an elective surgery. However, I have run across a patients that are not following the exercise protocol issued therefore sabotaging their results.

Also another problem that can slow you progress is trying to do too much to soon. After joint replacement surgery more is not better. By exercising your knee more than is recommended by your therapist is setting you up for a painful recovery, excess swelling and, prolonged physical therapy.

Also the type of surgical procedure will have an effect on the time frame that you can return to work. If your surgeon has cemented the prosthesis in, you will be weight-bearing a tolerated and allow to place as much weight as you can tolerate through your leg. This will allow you and your therapist to begin the full strengthening process as soon as possible. If your surgeon uses a non-cemented procedure, you will have weight-bearing precautions issued to you during rehabilitation and the healing process can be extended out another four to six weeks out. Your surgeon before the procedure, will have discussed this with you before your operation.

Depending on your occupation will also have a major part in the decision-making process. If you work at a desk for instance you should be back to work in six weeks. If you are in a job where you are on your feet all day you may be back in eight weeks.

To be on the safe side and allow for a full recovery, I would recommend you look forward to returning to work in eight weeks. Eight weeks allows for the pain issue to be completely resolved and the muscular endurance in your leg you develop at eight weeks out for the most part is enough to carry you through the day.

This of course will depend on your overall physical condition, age, and attitude during your recovery. With taking a consistent and disciplined approach to your rehabilitation, you will be back to work as fast as humanly possible.