From the Doctor's Desk

Better Evidence For the Use of Therapy After Knee Replacement

Historically, there has been a lack of research about the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation following total artificial knee replacement (arthroplasty). For years, the jury has been out as to whether physical therapy is beneficial or not. Finally, researchers have the evidence they have been looking for—physical therapy appears to help people in the short-term following knee replacement surgery.

In a study that focused on people with osteoarthritis that elected to have total knee replacement surgery, researchers found that those who participated in physical therapy had better function and movement in the knee joint at three to four months after surgery. This difference was no longer seen at one year. Although the short-term gains were only slight to moderate, this study is encouraging and helps promote the stance that people should be routinely referred to therapy following total knee replacement surgery.

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