There’s a part of knee replacement recovery that nobody really talks about enough — and it’s what I call the Groundhog Day Effect.
(Yes, like the old Bill Murray movie where he’s trapped in the same small town, waking up to the same song, eating at the same diner, stuck in the same loop over and over.)
(Yes, like the old Bill Murray movie where he’s trapped in the same small town, waking up to the same song, eating at the same diner, stuck in the same loop over and over.)
Here’s what it looks like in real life:
You go to physical therapy.
They add one new exercise to your routine — just one — and somehow, it’s the one that feels like it completely takes your knee out.
You go to physical therapy.
They add one new exercise to your routine — just one — and somehow, it’s the one that feels like it completely takes your knee out.
Knee replacement recovery isn’t just about physical healing (actually far from) — it’s also an intense mental and emotional journey. If you’ve ever felt frustrated during your recovery, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that frustration isn’t your enemy — it’s actually a sign that you’re learning?Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, recently shared a powerful insight about resilience. She explained that the emotion most associated with the "learning space" — the gap between what we know and what we're figuring out — is frustration. And let’s be honest, few things throw you into the deep end of the learning space
If you’ve ha
d a knee replacement, you know the struggle is real when it comes to leg tightness. That stiff, cranky feeling? It’s not just in your head. I see so many people mention calf pain and IT band tightness after surgery, and let me tell you—I was right there with you.
d a knee replacement, you know the struggle is real when it comes to leg tightness. That stiff, cranky feeling? It’s not just in your head. I see so many people mention calf pain and IT band tightness after surgery, and let me tell you—I was right there with you.My secret weapon? A massage gun.
But before you start going to town on your leg like a jackhammer, let’s talk about how to use it the right way. Done correctly, it can be a game-changer for tight muscles. Done wrong?
If you've recently had knee replacement surgery (or are preparing for one), there’s one important piece of advice you may not hear often: your body needs 400 extra calories a day post-op! When my physical therapist told me this, I was honestly surprised—but it makes perfect sense. During recovery, your body works hard...
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I’ll be honest, keeping up with my water intake isn’t always easy. We all know it’s crucial, especially when you're recovering from surgery, particularly knee replacement or just trying to feel your best. Hydration helps with recovery, reduces inflammation, and keeps your energy levels up, (You can read my blog about hydration post knee replacement HERE). But drinking enough water doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore. I’ve discovered some unique and fun ways to stay on top of hydration—and I’d love for you to try them out!
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