Do you have a painful, stiff knee due to osteoarthritis, or are you getting a new knee soon? With knee osteoarthritis, targeted exercise is one of the best treatments, and after a total knee replacement good rehabilitation determines your recovery. At Fysico Rotterdam we support you at every stage: from exercise therapy for osteoarthritis to training before and rehabilitation after your operation.
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Physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis and knee replacement
What is knee osteoarthritis?
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint changes, which can make the knee painful and stiff. Complaints often vary: one day it's fine, the next day less so. Osteoarthritis does not mean you have to sit still. On the contrary, regular and targeted exercise helps reduce complaints and keep your knee functioning as well as possible.
What does exercise therapy achieve?
- Less pain and stiffness
- Stronger muscles around the knee
- Easier walking, climbing stairs and getting up
- More confidence in moving
- Staying active and independent for longer
Who is physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis for?
Physiotherapy can help if you:
- You have pain when walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- You have a stiff knee, especially in the morning or after sitting still
- You have started moving less because of your knee
- You want to improve your fitness and strength
After an intake and physical examination we set goals together. Treatment mainly consists of exercise therapy: strength, stability and fitness training, supplemented with advice on load, weight and movement in daily life.
Total knee replacement: rehabilitation before and after surgery
If complaints remain too severe despite treatment, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend a total knee replacement (TKR). Physiotherapy then plays an important role.
Before surgery
The stronger and more mobile your knee is before surgery, the smoother your recovery often is afterwards. We work on strength, fitness and practising with crutches.
After surgery
After you are discharged from hospital, you continue your rehabilitation with us. We work step by step on:
- Reducing swelling and pain
- Fully straightening the knee again and bending it as far as possible
- Walking without crutches and climbing stairs
- Strength, balance and fitness
- Returning to work, cycling, walking or sport
We follow your orthopaedic surgeon's protocol and advice. At our Bentinckplein location you can train in our training room, and after treatment continue independently with medical fitness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exercise with knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, and it's actually important. We help you find the right type and amount, so exercise helps your knee rather than overloading it.
Is some pain during exercise a problem?
With osteoarthritis, mild pain during or after exercise is often not a problem, as long as it settles within a day. We teach you how to judge this yourself.
Can physiotherapy prevent or postpone surgery?
For many people, exercise therapy reduces complaints to the point that surgery is not needed, or only later.
How soon do I start physiotherapy after a knee replacement?
Usually straight after you are discharged from hospital. Feel free to contact us before your operation, so we can schedule your first appointments in advance.
How long does rehabilitation after a knee replacement take?
This varies per person. It often takes a few months before you can fully use your knee again. We'll discuss together what you can expect.
Reimbursement
For knee osteoarthritis
For osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, the Dutch basic health insurance covers up to 12 exercise therapy treatments per 12 months. This cover counts towards your deductible (eigen risico). A referral is usually not needed, unless your insurer asks for one. Additional treatments may be covered by your supplementary insurance.
After a knee replacement
Physiotherapy after a knee replacement is usually covered by your supplementary health insurance. How many treatments are covered depends on your policy.
The exact conditions differ per health insurer. Not sure? Feel free to contact us and we'll work it out together. Also read more about insurance cover.
Knee trouble, or getting a new knee? We're here to help.
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Physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis and after knee replacement in Rotterdam
Fysico Rotterdam supports people with knee osteoarthritis and people rehabilitating after a total knee replacement. You can visit us at our locations on Bentinckplein in Blijdorp and on Nieuwe Binnenweg in Delfshaven.