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Post-operative care · South Berkeley
Lymphatic Drainage After Joint Replacement. I have been through a knee replacement myself.
I had a knee replacement recently, and it reopened a scar I have had since 1984. So when I talk about swelling getting in the way of physical therapy, or a scar affecting movement, I am not only speaking from training. I have lived through it too.
- Common start
- When your surgeon clears you
- Also covers
- Knee, hip, shoulder, revision
- Works alongside
- Your physical therapy
- First step
- A free phone call with me
Why swelling matters here
A swollen joint will not bend.
In the first weeks after joint replacement, swelling can be what limits you most. A knee full of fluid simply cannot bend as far, no matter how hard you work in physical therapy. That is why reducing the fluid can matter so much.
When there is less fluid around the joint, your physical therapist has more movement to work with. MLD does not replace physical therapy. It supports the work you are already doing there.
The scar matters too. A joint replacement incision is long, and the tissue underneath it can become tight and limit movement months later, after everyone has stopped paying attention to it.
What this helps with
This work fits alongside your surgeon and physical therapist.
Your surgeon decides when it is safe to begin. Many people are cleared earlier than expected.
Swelling around the joint
This is often the main thing limiting your movement in the early weeks.
Range of motion
Less fluid can give you more movement to work with during physical therapy.
Bruising
Bruising may be extensive after joint surgery. Helping lymph move supports clearing it.
Comfort and sleep
Heaviness and throbbing at night are common. Easing fluid may ease both.
The scar, later
Once the incision is closed, I can work on the scar and tissue underneath. Deep tightness may affect movement.
Taping between visits
For newer scars and swollen joints, kinesiology tape can support the skin, fascia, lymph flow, and joint between appointments.
Timing
When it may be safe to start.
Your surgeon decides. Some people are cleared for very gentle drainage away from the incision within the first couple of weeks, while others need to wait longer.
I do not work directly on the scar until it is fully closed, the steri-strips are off, the scabs have come away on their own, and the skin is intact. That wait is important.
There is useful work while the scar heals. I can work away from the joint, help fluid move, and help your body settle after a major operation.
Worth saying plainly
Where my work ends.
I am not your physical therapist
This work supports physical therapy. It does not replace it, and I will always tell you to keep going.
Anything sudden goes to your surgeon
Call your surgeon for new swelling, redness, warmth, fever, or calf pain. Calf pain is urgent.
I do not do wound care
Anything open or not fully closed belongs with your surgeon.
I cannot promise your range of motion
I can help with swelling and tight tissue that may be in the way.
Before you call
Questions people ask me.
How soon after a knee replacement can I have lymphatic drainage?
Your surgeon decides, but some people are cleared for gentle work away from the incision earlier than they expected. Ask your surgeon and tell me what they said.
Will this help my physical therapy?
That is one of the main reasons to do it. Less fluid can mean more available movement, which gives your physical therapist more to work with.
When can you work on the scar?
Once it is fully closed and your surgeon is satisfied with the healing. A tight scar can limit movement long after the swelling has settled, so it is worth coming back for.
Does it hurt?
It should not. The work is very light, and I stay away from the surgical area until it is ready.
Does this apply to hip and shoulder replacement too?
Yes, and revision surgery too. Fluid can limit movement, and a long scar can become tight.
What about kinesiology tape?
It can be useful between appointments for a newer scar or a swollen joint. It supports the skin, fascia, lymph flow, and joint, and I used it on my own knee.
You may also want
These may help too.
The next step
Tell me which joint and when.
Set up a free 15-minute call and tell me which joint was replaced, the date, and what your surgeon said. I will help you understand when it may be safe to begin, what to expect, and when the scar may be ready for work.