Therapy-Free Total Knee Replacement

Time Savings:

With a therapy-free approach, you'll spend less time on rehabilitation appointments and more time enjoying your newfound mobility. Dr. Boyapati's surgical techniques and post-operative protocols are designed to save you valuable time, allowing for a quicker return to your daily activities.

Less Pain and Reduced Narcotic Use:

Our approach prioritizes pain management, reducing reliance on narcotics for post-operative discomfort.

Dr. Giridhar Boyapati employs advanced pain management strategies to ensure a comfortable and minimally invasive experience during and after the surgery.

Quicker Improvement in Range of Motion:

Experience faster and more significant improvements in your knee's range of motion with our Therapy-Free Total Knee Replacement. Dr. Boyapati's approach is centered around optimizing your recovery, enabling you to regain flexibility and functionality sooner.

Post-Op Recovery Timeline with Therapy-Free Protocols

Days 1-2

1. Day 1 is usually not very painful. BE CAREFUL! This is where many patients often try to do too much and this results in terrible pain and swelling.
2. Patients often say the leg feels like a “telephone pole”–heavy, stiff, and swollen.
3. It is critical to ice and elevate the leg (toes above the nose for total knee replacements) for 40 minutes to an hour while awake.
4. Begin the simple exercises protocol on Day 1, starting with 8 minutes of your 4 exercises hourly while awake.

Days 3-5

1. The leg still feels very heavy and stiff, and has significant bruising that drifts down toward the toes.
2. These are typically the toughest days in the post-op period. Some patients may need a few narcotic pain pills during this period.
3. It is normal to have a good day or a good morning, followed by a more difficult day or evening.
4. Continue with ice and elevation and simple exercises hourly while awake.

Days 6-10

1. Pain is typically 20-30% better at this point—an improvement but still fairly difficult.
2. It is normal for the knee to be stiff in the morning, and achy at night. It can take up to 12 weeks for sleeping patterns to normalize.
3. Patients often report that it feels like there is a tight rubber band around the knee. This is normal, and non-narcotic medications may help.
4. Many patients also have significant sensitivity around the incision. This should get better with time.
5. Continue with ice, elevation, non-narcotic pain medications, and your hourly 4 exercises.
6. Avoid strenuous activities like aggressive strengthening,lungs etc

Days 10-12

1. By this point, you should be able to straighten the leg fully and bend your knee about 100 degrees—a little more than a right angle.
2. Swelling may still be present, but should be going down.

Days 13-21

1. Many patients are able to start leaving the house for short trips, but should return home or rest if the knee starts to swell. Upon returning home, ice and elevate the knee.
2. Patients should still continue with hourly exercises.
3. Some patients are able to return to light-duty work during this time frame

3 Weeks After Surgery

1. By this point, most patients who follow Therapy-Free protocols have achieved a range or motion from 0-120 degrees.
2. Though you have achieved a great improvement in range of motion, keep up with your simple exercises at least 3-4 times per day for another 6 weeks. You will continue to see improvement over time.

6 Weeks After Surgery

1. By this point, most patients are able to resume normal activities. However, don’t push yourself too hard. If an activity is painful, stop! It will all come back in time–you just have to be patient.
2. Your knee strength will improve over time, so don’t jump into heavy strength training all at once. If you want to work on strengthening, start with an exercise bike with light resistance 3 times a week.

Most importantly, remember that every patient is different! Stick to the plan, be patient, and you will achieve great results.