Prepare Your Space for Success Before Knee Surgery

Now is the time - before surgery - to set up your space and get your recovery tools in place. Below, please find my recommendations.

COOLING/COMPRESSION

Cooling/compression ice machines have been shown to reduce the need for pain medication following knee surgery. Always check with your surgeon for specific icing frequency and duration recommendations.

Here is the icing/cooling unit I recommend for my patients:

Arctic Ice Cold Water Therapy Unit: 12-quart cold therapy machine includes a durable base unit, universal cold therapy pad, insulated tubing and carrying handle. Simply add Ice and water.

MUSCLE RECOVERY

Muscle Recovery: Hypervolt 2 - handheld percussion massage gun, 3 speeds with 5 interchangeable heads. Expect to have quad, hip flexor and ITB tightness in the early stages of recovery. Your typical ways of stretching and foam rolling are challenging immediately after surgery, so the massage gun is particularly helpful in reducing muscle/soft tissue tension.

The Muscle Stick: a cheaper alternative to the massage gun - the muscle/running stick - allows you to perform manual soft tissue releases at a lower cost to you. 

NUTRITION

Collagen Peptides/Collagen for joint support. Amino acids support joint health and improve your body’s response to strenuous exercise, making collagen powder a great post-workout supplement and joint support supplement. 

XR Science 3-Week Surgery Recovery Plan: This 3-Week Surgical Recovery Program to reduce muscle atrophy and enhance muscle recovery. XR™ is a surgeon formulated blend of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and nutrients specifically designed to support the challenges seen in surgical recovery. Each ingredient in XR™ has been clinically researched for optimal effective dosing. Code: LOGAN10

MOTION

Knee Sled: This knee stretcher is designed for safe, secure, and controlled knee exercises speedy recovery. It is one of the best knee rehabilitation aides I have seen to increase knee motion.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.