After a total knee replacement, regaining quadriceps strength is one of the most critical steps in your recovery journey. The quadriceps—the powerhouse muscles on the front of your thigh—are essential for supporting your knee joint and getting back to everyday activities. However, post-surgery, these muscles are often significantly weaker than they were before. This is especially true if you were dealing with arthritis prior to the operation, as studies show that arthritis alone can cause a substantial loss of muscle strength.
In this post, we’ll explore how neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help you rebuild that strength faster, tackle post-surgery challenges, and set you up for a smoother recovery.
Why Quadriceps Strength Matters
Your quadriceps play a vital role in stabilizing your knee, assisting in movement, and protecting the joint from excessive stress. If you had arthritis leading up to your surgery, chances are your quads were already underperforming due to pain and reduced activity. In fact, research shows that individuals with arthritis often experience over a 20% deficit in quadriceps strength compared to those without the condition.
Unfortunately, the surgery itself adds to this weakness. Studies reveal that after a total knee replacement, patients can lose nearly 50% of their quadriceps strength, making early rehabilitation crucial to regain function and avoid long-term limitations.
What Causes Muscle Weakness?
Muscle weakness after surgery isn’t just about inactivity—it’s a result of a phenomenon called arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). This occurs when trauma to the joint (from surgery or injury) disrupts the normal signals between your nervous system and muscles.
Factors like joint inflammation, pain, and swelling further inhibit proper muscle activation, making it harder for the quads to contract efficiently. Left unchecked, AMI can delay your recovery and lead to lingering muscle weakness that limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, or return to your favorite activities.
How NMES Can Help
That’s where NMES comes in. Unlike TENS units that focus on pain relief, NMES is designed specifically to target and strengthen muscles. It’s an effective, easy-to-use tool that works alongside your rehab exercises to enhance muscle activation and recovery.
What Does NMES Do?
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Stimulates muscle contractions: NMES sends electrical impulses to your quadriceps, mimicking the natural signals from your brain to the muscles.
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Combats AMI: By overriding the nervous system’s inhibition, NMES helps reestablish proper muscle activation.
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Prevents muscle atrophy: Regular use helps maintain and build muscle mass during the critical early recovery period.
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Improves strength and coordination: With consistent use, NMES helps your quads regain the power and control needed for functional movement.
How to Use NMES in Your Recovery
NMES devices are user-friendly and easy to integrate into your rehab routine. Here’s how it works:
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Placement: Adhesive electrodes are placed on the skin over your quadriceps.
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Stimulation: The device sends electrical currents to your muscles, causing them to contract and relax, just like they would during exercise.
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Duration: Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes and can be done a few times a week, depending on your rehab plan.
By combining NMES with targeted exercises, like quad sets and leg raises, you can maximize muscle recovery during the critical first 6–8 weeks after surgery—when strength gains are most impactful.
Why NMES is a Game-Changer
The early weeks after a knee replacement set the stage for your long-term recovery. Without intervention, AMI and prolonged muscle weakness can make it harder to regain full function. NMES bridges this gap by ensuring your muscles stay active and engaged during the recovery process, giving you a significant advantage as you work toward your goals.
Therapeutic Edge
Rebuilding strength after a total knee replacement takes commitment, the right tools, and a well-structured plan. By incorporating NMES into your rehabilitation, you’re giving your quadriceps the boost they need to recover faster and more effectively.
Are you ready to take your recovery to the next level? Check out our Rehab Essentials Store to explore NMES devices and other tools designed to support your journey. With the right resources, you’ll be back to your daily life with a stronger, more functional knee in no time.
Stay dedicated, stay strong, and let NMES help you unlock your full potential.
