HealthyHealing

There are a few physical things you can do to support your body before knee replacement surgery — and one for your mind. There is actually a whole lot you can do for your mind, but today we are focusing on the physical and on calming your mind down a little before you get to surgery day.I want to share with you what I did before knee number two — because knee number one and knee number two were completely different experiences for me. Before knee number one I was in so much pain I just wanted to get to it and get through it. It was all mindset because I honestly didn't know what to do to support my body physically. Before knee number two I called the shots. I named when I wanted it done. My knee wasn't as degenerated and there was more, I could do to prepare. That's where I learned what actually makes a difference.Start With Prehab — Your Muscles Are the FoundationThe very first thing you want to do is some form of prehab to strengthen your quads, your glutes, and your hamstrings. The stronger those muscles are going into surgery the stronger they will be coming out. You see this with professional athletes all the time. 

Week 1 Knee Replacement Recovery Is About Safety and AcclimationMy biggest suggestion for Week 1 after knee replacement surgery is to understand that this week is all about getting acclimated to your new knee and learning how to manage it, along with your assistive devices, safely.This is something you don’t see in any medical paperwork sent home.Because we’re taught to prep, prep, prep. Buy the toilet risers. Buy the assistive devices. Buy the ice machines. All the things.But really, it comes down to simple mechanics we do every single day.

Here’s the thing about a second knee replacement. It’s not just the logistics—getting your house set up, stocking the freezer, making sure you’ve got your walker or ice packs ready. The harder part? It’s what your brain does the minute surgery number two hits the calendar.I know real well what this is like because this is where I was at. If you’ve already been through knee number one, you know what I’m talking about. Suddenly, every single memory from round one comes rushing back. The heavy nights. The pain medicine. The emotional swings. Even if your first recovery was smooth, your brain has a way of replaying the hardest parts on loop.I’ve been there, and let me tell you—you’re not crazy if you feel more nervous before the second one than you did before the first. For me, I think I was more anxious leading up to my first knee replacement, but I was definitely more anxious the day before my second knee replacement than I was the day before my first.

If you've recently had knee replacement surgery (or are preparing for one), there’s one important piece of advice you may not hear often: your body needs 400 extra calories a day post-op! When my physical therapist told me this, I was honestly surprised—but it makes perfect sense. During recovery, your body works hard...