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WILL I NEED PHYSICA L THERAPY W HEN I G O HO ME ?
If appropriate, follow-up physical therapy either through home health or out-patient may be
necessary. Your surgeon and care team will make this determination of how long you should be
in supervised therapy. Walking and doing your prescribed exercises can be an important part of
your recovery.
HOW L ONG UNT IL I CAN DRIVE AND GET BACK TO NORMAL ?
You are not allowed to drive until you are cleared by your physician, which is usually four to six
weeks after surgery, depending on how you are functioning. This guideline is for your personal
safety.
This gives the soft tissues a chance to heal. However, returning to driving is highly individualized
and it is recommended that you talk to your surgeon about this.
Patients may resume driving once they have reached the following and have received their
surgeon's clearance:
As you recover from surgery, your reaction time when driving is delayed. Do not drive
while on pain meds.
You must have good control of your surgical leg to work the gas, brake, and clutch
pedals.
You will need to be able to safely get in and out of the car.
Spend some time practicing in an open parking lot to get used to being behind the
wheel again.
For left leg total knee replacement:
o If you have a clutch: You will need to be able to quickly move and use the clutch
and have the needed strength to bring your car to a complete stop.
For right total knee replacement:
o You will need to be able to quickly move from gas to brake and have the needed
strength to bring your car to a complete stop.
HOW OFTEN WIL L I N EE D TO BE SEEN AT T HE SURGE ON OFF ICE FOLL O WIN G THE
SURGERY ?
You should have your first post-operative visit scheduled by the time you leave the hospital.
This should be discussed with your surgeon. The frequency of follow up visits will depend on
your progress.
