Is Physical Therapy Necessary After Total Knee Replacement?

In spite of the fact that total knee replacement is recognized as the most effective solution for patients with severe arthritis, according to Andrew Wickline, MD, patient dissatisfaction related to postoperative pain, stiffness and long difficult rehabilitation persist even with modern implant designs. Dr. Wickline joined a panel of joint replacement experts at a recent SwiftPath Symposium, where he questioned the traditional approach to knee replacement and the automatic reliance on arduous and painful physical therapy.