Getting partial knee replacement surgery isn’t something that anyone wants to experience. It’s painful; it’s disruptive and just generally unpleasant. But, one of the biggest concerns that people have going into it is whether they’ll be able to maintain the same level of mobility they had before the surgery. There’s no cookie-cutter answer to this question because it depends on the individual situation.
For instance, if you’re a highly active person that partakes in marathons and other high impact activities, you might experience a decline in your mobility levels. It’s a fact that your body won’t be able to function the same again but you can take measures to adapt after the surgery.
manual therapy for partial knee replacement
Can you continue high impact activities after knee replacement surgery?
Generally, high impact activities like running are discouraged after a surgery of this magnitude. That’s because your body needs time to heal and it might take weeks, months or years before you feel like your old self again. Your ability to perform impact activities after surgery will also depend on a number of factors like your age, your level of motivation and your health status before you went into surgery.
Plus, each surgeon has a unique rehabilitation protocol and it’s wise to follow that in order to speed up recovery. While most surgeons advise against partaking in certain activities during the rehabilitation period, you’ll be able to enjoy other activities like swimming, golfing and rowing for example.
Manual Therapy for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Your surgeon might also recommend manual therapy as part of your outpatient recovery program. Cooperating with your therapist and getting regular treatment sessions will help to prevent another knee replacement surgery in the long run.
It’s also beneficial to participate in manual therapy in preparation for the surgery. Depending on the situation, pre-surgery manual therapy can significantly improve your results and speed up the healing process after the surgery. It will also strengthen your knee and help you achieve a better range of motion.
What is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
As the name implies, partial knee replacement surgery is meant to replace a particular part of your knee. This could be the kneecap, the lateral or outside part of the knee or the medial aka inside part of the knee. The point is to get rid of damaged bone and tissue in the knee joint. The removed part is replaced with a prosthetic that helps your knee to function normally even with the missing part.
The good news is partial knee surgery typically has a quick recovery time when compared to total knee replacement surgery. But, you’ll need manual therapy for at least 4 to 6 weeks afterward to safely transition your joints and soft tissues to their former state.
Within two or three months you’ll be able to perform high impact activities like running and plyometrics. And, your knee should hold up for another 10 years without incident but eventually, you may need a full knee replacement, especially if you constantly put pressure on the knee due to frequent, impact activity.
When most of us think about health, the spine is usually the last thing that comes to mind-if at all! That’s because there isn’t much information out there about the spine and the important role it plays in overall health.
That’s why we’re dedicating an entire series of articles about the spine. As you’ll soon learn, it’s one of the most marvelous features of the human body. Through this series, we will share with you not just facts but real healing wisdom. The spine is the nexus of our work here at Philani and we consider it to be essential to our healing process.
About the Spine
First, the spine comprises a series of interconnected bones called vertebrae that travel from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Each vertebra is connected to another by a facet joint. The facet joints give your spine the flexibility to bend and move your neck and back.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Within the vertebral column is the spinal cord, which connects the brain with the rest of the body. The vertebral column is also responsible for:
Supporting the head
Providing vertical support for the body
Articulating the ribs
Supporting body weight while walking and standing
Different Parts of the Spine
The vertebral column comprises four major curvatures, and each curvature has several bones within it as follows:
In the following weeks, we will unpack each of the vertebrae that run along the spine, starting with the Atlas and the Axis, labeled C1 and C2 respectively on the above chart.
And Then There Was Movement!
Although small, the C1 and C2 vertebrae allow for the greatest range of motion of all the vertebrae. Perhaps that’s why the C1 vertebra is called the “Atlas” after the man from Greek mythology who held up the earth.
It attaches directly to your skull and allows you to nod your head forward while C2 enables you to move your head from side to side. Without these two vertebrae, you wouldn’t be able to turn around when someone calls your name, or bop your head to your favorite tune.
That’s why it’s so easy to notice when there’s a misalignment with either one of these vertebrae.
Symptoms of C1 + C2 Misalignment
Some of the most common conditions that we see at Philani in relation to C1 + C2 misalignment include:
Migraine headaches
Breathing problems
Elevated blood pressure
Indigestion
Constipation
Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears)
Facial pain
Neck pain and
Shoulder pain
Should you experience any of these symptoms, please consider booking an assessment with us at Philani. This is where our qualified Manual Therapist, Zanele Bosch, will conduct a thorough assessment of your problem to find out which part of your spine is causing your ailment.
Good news! We’re offering free assessments to anyone that books an appointment through our website. Head over to our appointment page to book your free assessment and start your journey to better health today.
