How Long After Knee Surgery Can I Hot Tub?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When can I place my joint in water to take a bath or use a swimming pool or hot tub? Confirm with your physician, but you can usually do this

about 6 weeks after surgery

.

Is a hot tub good after knee replacement surgery?

With a therapist’s guidance, you can work to repair and regain your pre-surgery body in the comfort of your hot tub. Therapists often recommend

hydrotherapy in hot tubs after

specific orthopedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, post fractures, and multi-traumas, among others.

How long after surgery can you get in a hot tub?

Avoid tub bathing for

at least four weeks

after the procedure. The reason doctors recommend this is because the incisions are still not fully closed and bath water can cause infections. Standing water in whirlpools or pools should be avoided for a four-week period.

Why can’t you use a hot tub with a knee injury?


Heat

applied during this phase is contraindicated because heat increases blood flow into the injured area significantly increasing the amount of swelling. Increased swelling prolongs the rehabilitation process because it takes time to reverse the process and remove the extracellular fluid.

Can you use a heating pad after knee surgery?

Should I use a heating pad or ice packs? Ice can be used to help relieve pain, but can be harmful if left on too long (more than 20 minutes).

The use of heat is not recommended for six weeks after surgery

.

Can you go in the hot tub with stitches?

Cover the area when you shower and avoid taking a bath, going swimming, or entering a hot tub until the wound has fully healed.

After 24 hours

, you can carefully wash your stitches and the surrounding area, but you will want to promptly dry the area and resist the urge to scratch.

Can I shower with stitches?

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get

your stitches wet briefly with a light spray

(such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.

Are hot tubs good for sore knees?

Muscle and joint soreness are common complaints of athletes, and hot tubs can help with this. The hot water increases blood flow to the skin and muscles which aids the recovery process. This increased blood flow helps muscles recover, prevents stiffness and promotes joint homeostasis.

Is hot tub good for torn meniscus?

During the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury, be sure to

avoid any

form of heat at the injury site. This includes heat lamps, heat creams, spas, Jacuzzi’s, and saunas. Avoid all movement and massage of the injured area.

Will soaking help knee pain?


Epsom Salt Bath

: This is another fairly common remedy used for knee pain and other kinds of joint pain. Draw yourself a warm bath and add one-half cup of Epsom salt. Soak the affected area in the hot bath for at least 15 minutes. You can repeat this as many times as you need to throughout the week.

What are the 3 most painful surgeries?

  1. Open surgery on the heel bone. If a person fractures their heel bone, they may need surgery. …
  2. Spinal fusion. The bones that make up the spine are known as vertebrae. …
  3. Myomectomy. …
  4. Proctocolectomy. …
  5. Complex spinal reconstruction.

Why is my knee so tight after surgery?

Arthrofibrosis is also known as stiff knee syndrome. The condition sometimes occurs in a knee joint that has recently been injured. It can also occur after surgery on the knee, such as a knee replacement. Over time, scar tissue builds up inside the knee,

causing the knee joint to shrink and tighten

.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

  1. Follow All Physician Recommendations. You should always heed all of your surgeon’s instructions and advice. …
  2. Walk Frequently Once You’re Allowed. …
  3. Eat Healthy Foods. …
  4. Get Plenty of Sleep. …
  5. Do Physical and Occupational Therapy Exercises.

What helps stitches heal faster after surgery?


Exercise

and activity helps healing by improving blood flow. Blood brings oxygen and healthy nutrients to the cells in your body to help them heal. Follow the instructions you have been given about the amount and type of exercise to do. You may need to avoid straining and heavy lifting so your wound can heal.

Can I shower with surgical glue?

Skin glue is waterproof, but general advice is to:

avoid touching the glue for 24 hours

.

try to keep the wound dry for the first 5 days

.

have showers

rather than baths, to avoid soaking the wound.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.