The first couple of weeks after surgery is all about working range of motion. If you don’t work the range of motion you can end up with a stiff knee for the rest of your life. Strengthening can begin once range is established. Range of motion hurts, be ready for some pain, especially the fully straightened range. Get some good stool softeners as the pain meds will bind you up. My knee was stapled, and could not get wet for a couple of weeks, but that was 10 years ago. I think they glue the knee closed now so you can shower much sooner. The highlight of my knee replacement was that my lovely wife gave me a couple of sponge baths before I could shower. At least I got that to look forward to when I get the other knee done : )
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