A researcher whose work could cut recovery time from knee surgery in half chose her study focus for a reason – to help people live an active life without pain.
More than 1 in 10 adults over age 50 experience knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Because of the breakdown of cartilage between the bones of the knee joint, about 1 in 25 will go on to have knee replacement surgery. Most will find lasting relief.
Although knee replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a common procedure associated with great outcomes, the post-operative period can be challenging.
“It’s an extensive surgery that involves a large incision and the replacement of the ends of bones, so there’s a definite transition in terms of healing. It takes time to recover,” said Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, professor of physical therapy at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
As a physical therapist, Stevens-Lapsley helps people recover strength and function after knee surgery. Here she answers common questions she gets – and provides an overview of a new study in neuromuscular stimulation that has the potential to improve the speed of recovery.
See related story: Doubling the Speed of Recovery in Total Knee Replacement Surgery