| Athletes are finding that the prolonged impacts of | | | | other types of physical therapy. The use of flex |
| running, jumping and even being tackled are causing | | | | machines and other therapy programs after surgery |
| undo stress on their knees and joints. These effects | | | | can help increase flexibility for knee mobility. These |
| are long lasting and could ultimately require a partial or | | | | days, knee replacement surgery and the following |
| total knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery is | | | | physical therapy can give an athlete further options |
| becoming an option for more and more athletes as | | | | for extending their lucrative careers. |
| they extend their careers rather than just retire due | | | | Although strenuous and impact heavy sports are |
| to the extent of their injuries. The road to recovery | | | | generally discouraged, it is possible for an athlete to |
| can long and arduous but with the consultations with | | | | resume their normal activities within reason. The |
| their doctor and rigorous physical therapy they can | | | | recovery process can take anywhere from a few |
| regain nearly full mobility and it may be possible to | | | | months up to a year, and varies patient by patient. |
| again return to their sport. | | | | Low impact sports such as golf or swimming can be |
| Physical therapy can be the key to a faster and | | | | resumed for some athletes within the first 12 months |
| more efficient recovery. There are a variety of | | | | of having a knee replacement surgery. Higher impact |
| programs designed to help athletes get back to their | | | | activities such as running, cycling and jumping can |
| vitality following knee replacement surgery. A physical | | | | take longer for the athlete to recover from and |
| therapist will generally visit the patient the day after | | | | re-acclimate. Recovery times vary from person to |
| the surgery and begin helping the patient to gently | | | | person. The more committed to their recovery that |
| extend the joint. Intense pain can be an issue | | | | they are, and the more closely that they follow the |
| immediately following the surgery. Once the sutures | | | | instructions given to them by their surgeon and |
| have been removed, the patient can begin swimming | | | | physical therapist, the more quickly they can be back |
| and participating in aqua therapy in conjunction with | | | | on their feet. |