Hydrotherapy Success: Knee Flexion Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
Recovering from a total knee replacement is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the right rehabilitation approach. For this patient, hydrotherapy played a key role in improving knee flexion, strength, and overall function.
Starting Point: Limited Mobility & Pain
At her initial assessment, she walked with an elbow crutch to prevent limping, her knee was slightly swollen, and her range of motion was limited:
- Flexion: 80°
- Extension: -5°
- Pain levels: 4/10 (best) to 7/10 (worst)
She also struggled with stairs, balance, and night-time pain, which impacted her confidence and daily life.
Hydrotherapy Treatment Plan
Over eight sessions in three months, we focused on:
- Reducing swelling: Deep warm water and hydrostatic pressure helped improve circulation and muscle activation.
- Walking practice: Supported movement in water helped refine gait and reduce reliance on aids.
- Increasing flexion: Using floats, flippers, and manual therapy in a buoyant, low-pain environment.
- Building function: Practicing stairs, balance, and strengthening exercises.
The Results: Major Flexion Gains!
The graph above shows the patient’s remarkable progress in knee flexion.
- Initial flexion: 80°
- Final flexion: 120°
Additionally:
- Full extension achieved after just one session
- Walking unaided with improved balance and strength
- Climbing stairs reciprocally
- Cycling on a static bike at the gym
Moving Forward
Thanks to these improvements, the patient was successfully discharged to an NHS rehab class, feeling positive and ready to continue her recovery.
This case highlights the power of hydrotherapy in accelerating knee rehabilitation, improving function, and restoring confidence after surgery!