The Role of MLD in Knee Replacement Post-op
Severe damage in your knee cartilage and/or bone produces a non-functional and painful joint. When other treatments fail, Knee replacement is a good choice. This type of orthopaedic surgery replaces the entire knee joint with a prosthesis: man-made artificial joint. After surgery you might notice swelling, pain and other temporary side effects, but don´t worry! Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD can relieve symptoms and speed up the recovery proces. Let’s see the role of MLD in knee replacement post-op…
What is Knee arthroplasty: knee replacement?
It is a type of orthopaedic surgery that replaces your rubbered knee for a new one. In other words, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint and replaced for man-made pieces (prosthesis).
According to the specific damage, the prosthesis can be placed in:
- Lower end of the thigh bone (femur). The replacement part is usually made of metal.
- Upper end of the shin bone (Tibia:the large bone in the lower leg). The replacement part is usually made from metal and strong plastic.
- Back side of your kneecap (knee cap= patella). The piece is most of the time made from a strong plastic.
Reasons why knee arthroplasty takes place: Causes
There are many different reasons to perform this type of surgery. Your surgeon may recommend it when:
- Osteoarthritis. Gradual breakdown of the meniscus (cartilage that cushions the knee joint). Symptoms: pain and limited movement as bones begin to rub against each other.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune condition that can also damage the knee joint over time. Symptoms: pain, inflammation and stiffness.
- Previous or current injuries. Severe damage from trauma, like a serious fall causing fracture, car accident, repetitive sports injuries, etc., can lead to irreversible damage that can only be fixed with a prosthesis.
- Osteonecrosis. Lack or reduced blood supply to the femur, causing the bone death and break, which results in a painful joint.
- Meniscus tears. A torn meniscus, the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee, can lead to pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
- Ligament injuries that don’t respond to other treatments.
- Deformity due to other conditions like arthritis or genetic factors.
- Overuse that causes severe damage
- No improvement after trying other treatments.
How MLD can help in knee replacement post-op
Lymphatic drainage massage MLD is a gentle manual therapy that boosts the lymphatic system’s ability to clear excess fluid and debris from the surgical site. Your certified and experienced therapist uses rhythmic, light strokes to encourage lymph vessels to contract and move fluid toward lymph nodes (to be expelled through urine), reducing fluid buildup that causes swelling.
Some benefits are:
- Reduced post-op swelling.
- Improved blood and lymph circulation.
- Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues.
- Boosts your immune function.
- Reduces pain.
- Improves mobility.
- Increases the removal of toxins and waste.
- Speeds elimination of injected fluids during the procedure.
- Eases pressure on nerves, joint and ligaments.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Improves general wellbeing.
- Reduces bruises that can appear after surgery.
- Reduces fibrosis.
- Avoid or reduce seromas.
- Faster recovery: Studies show lymphatic drainage massage can cut recovery, helping patients return to normal faster.
How MLD can help in knee replacement post-op: A final word
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) after knee replacement helps by gently stimulating lymph flow to reduce post-operative swelling and inflammation. Also,it promotes faster removal of excess fluid and waste products from tissues around the knee. Reducing pain and stiffness and improving joint mobility and comfort. In addition, MLD supports better wound healing by enhancing local circulation.Overall, it aids recovery, helping patients regain movement and function quickly.
We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like it, please share!
