The path to recovery following total knee replacement can be long and painful. But does it have to be? According to a German research study led by Dr. Thoralf Liebs, “…beginning aquatic therapy just six days after total knee replacement may lead to improved results…”

Liebs studied two groups of individuals who had just undergone total knee replacement surgery. Each individual was randomly selected to begin 30-minute aquatic therapy either six or 14 days following surgery. These sessions occurred three times a week up to the fifth week after surgery. Liebs evaluated each patient’s physical function, pain and stiffness six, 12 and 24 months after surgery.

The Results:

All of the outcome measures were better in those patients who started aquatic therapy six days after their surgery. But why? Liebs hypothesized that the force of the water during aquatic therapy reduces the buildup of fluid in the knee joint, thus alleviating pain.

Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water, including buoyancy and resistance, to speed rehabilitation and healing while also reducing pain.

Chesapeake Bay Aquatic & Physical Therapy: Your Severna Park Physical Therapy Center specializing in Post-Op Rehab through Aquatic Therapy

At Chesapeake Bay Aquatic & Physical Therapy, we offer aquatic therapy to help speed recovery and provide better outcomes for our patients. Our therapists have a wide range of experience treating professional and recreational athletes, individuals who have suffered injuries at work, and those rehabbing from knee replacement surgery.
If you have any questions about Aquatic Therapy, please contact Chesapeake Bay Aquatic & Physical Therapy by visiting cbayaquapt.com today! And if you are a new patient, please review our New Patient Forms page before your first visit.