Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation: The Knee Owner's Manual Paperback – July 26, 2004

One of the best purchases I have ever made. Ten stars would not be enough. Got this four weeks after knee replacement, sure wish I had it before. It gave me way, way more information and help than I got from the surgeon, the hospital and therapist combined. Most importantly It is right on. Doesn't pull punches or gloss over things and underestimate the time frames of progress, it fits right in with the experience I've had and the experience of others that I've talked to. One reason is because one of the authors, a man with 25 years as a recovery therapist , had a bilateral replacement himself. It's great to give advice without personal experience but living it yourself and seeing the reality from the other side of the table is priceless. It describes the operation with illustrations, gives good pre-surgery exercises, lays out what to expect and prepare for. The recovery therapy is week by week, gives exercises that are very clearly explained and illustrated with good photographs for each one. (Has some 140 illustrations). It tells you why these exercises are necessary and what each one does for recovery. For the first time I felt that I really knew and understand what was going on. It's realistic about pain, effort and limits. To give you an idea of the tenor of the book the first week's chapter is sub titled "You want me to do what?" and the second chapter is subtitled, "Will I ever be normal again?" and believe me that's just what you're thinking at those points. It covers therapy at home, at a gym, with a stationary bicycle and in a pool. I haven't yet found any thing that it didn't cover including questions that I had that I couldn't seem to get a straight answer to from the other "experts". Recovery from knee replacement is a real bitch. Take it from one who has had a broken back, a shattered knee and numerous broken ribs, this has been worse. . This book Gives you the realistic over all picture, ties every thing together, makes your feel that you are in control and calms your anxieties. I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone that is considering TKR or anyone that has had it and is still going through recovery. It's one of the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend..

My wife Rita wrote this and this is her review:I had a Bilateral TKA (both knees) done in October 2010. I googled info on the procedure and this book came up. Since a orthopedic physician and a PhD PT were involved I thought I would give it a try. It TRULY has been a magnificent resource for me. I had just under a month but I religiously completed the pre-surgery exercises (except for the gallon cans - that never worked - but the towels did). My surgeries were 3 days apart (my doctor wanted to make sure I wanted to go ahead with the second one and that there were no complications) and I did full leg raises less than 24 hours post-op on my left leg. My right leg took longer but still under 48 hours - pretty good, or so I've read!As many of the comments indicate it does help you prepare your home, your head and your legs. I took it to the hospital with me and read it every day for a month. By one month post-op I had 125 flexion in my left leg and 126 in my right. They released me from going to the pt and I believe it's this book that helped me achieve my success. I did find exercises for extension in the book. In fact sticking my heels on the side of the coffee table and letting them 'hang' there has become a favorite of mine! That helps stretch things out soooo much - I love it!I hadn't picked the book up since the holidays but I pulled it out yesterday and I am about to start on my pool therapy in the next 2-3 weeks. I have been using a recumbent stationary bike and I would recommend that to anyone with a TKA.I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone considering a TKA. I am 52 years young and now have a pair of knees that reflect my age. Here's to another 52 and thanks to this book I'll always know how to go about looking after my new ones!

Yes, this book is copyrighted 2004 and there are a lot of things that are outdated. However, I couldn't find anything more recent that had nearly as good of reviews. So, I purchased it on the off chance that there would be valuable information I would need for my upcoming TKR.I found timeless exercises to help inprove my muscle strength before surgery. Although the photos explaining them are in black and white they were very useful. Also, there were tips on questions to ask the doctor prior to surgery which were indeed useful as well. There was also a guide on what to expect on your progression after surgery which are not far off from what the doctor's are telling me to expect with my upcoming surgery. I found lots of tips and tricks to get through the first six weeks after surgery which are timeless as well.While there are several things that have changed such as surgery time, length of hospital stay, medications, etc. many things are about the same and were useful to me. I am glad that I made this purchase and would love to see the writers update this book.

If you are planning on getting knee replacement surgery, this is a great book to give you an insight as to what to prepare for.

There is no better book that I have found on this subject. By all means, get it BEFORE your op and get going. Get in shape. This operation depends not just on a good surgeon but on good rehab. It is hardwork. It takes determination. Keep in mind your alternative to doing the work prescribed is pretty obvious: you won't get the results you want. Devote your life to getting well and get the payoff for the hard work.I am on my second knee and am older so I heal a little slower than younger people but with help of a physio therapist and this book I have actually started to enjoy the process and really like being in control of my recovery. I am pretty sure it has given me a lot of life. Hang onto the book for a friend, too ! It's pretty special.