Can I Ski After Knee Replacement?

Colorado has some of the best skiing in the country and for many Coloradans, the world class ski resorts throughout the state played a significant role in their desire to move here. It should come as no surprise that the ability to ski after knee replacement is a serious concern for many individuals in our region who undergo this procedure.

The good news is that skiing after knee replacement is often a realistic outcome. Advances in knee replacement techniques and technology have delivered better results than ever before, allowing patients to resume many of their favorite activities. However, it’s essential to understand that every patient’s situation is different, and your ability to ski after knee replacement will depend on your circumstances.

If you’re planning on skiing after knee replacement, there are a few considerations to be aware of.

Your Efforts During the Knee Recovery Phase Are Critical

Your ability to fully resume your favorite activities is dictated by how completely you restore full strength and range of motion. Therefore, it’s critical that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and are diligent with your physical therapy work.

There are three primary stages of your recovery:

• First 2 weeks – This time is focused on general healing. Your goal is to reduce swelling, take care of the incision to ensure it heals properly, and begin moving the knee.
• Weeks 3-6 – This is the most critical phase of your recovery. During this time, you’ll work with your physical therapist to restore the normal range of motion and gradually reduce your dependence on assistive devices such as crutches.
• Weeks 7-12 – During this time, your physical therapy will be focused on activity rehabilitation. You’ll need to spend time strengthening your knee in preparation for returning to a more active lifestyle.

In most instances, you should be able to resume skiing after this 12-week rehabilitation regimen. Remember that you’ll need to continue working out to ensure the muscles around your knees remain strong. You’ll also want to include flexibility exercises in your regimen. Before getting on the slopes, it’s also a good idea to do some dry training focusing on strength and balance. This will ensure you’re in proper ski shape when you first get out on the mountain.

Your Experience Level Plays a Role in Your Ability to Ski After Knee Replacement

Skiing After Knee Replacement Surgery

Generally, it’s not recommended to first learn to ski after knee replacement. If this sport wasn’t part of your lifestyle before surgery, you shouldn’t expect to take it up afterward. Similarly, beginner skiers may be better off looking for new activities to enjoy following knee replacement. If you struggled to get down blue and green runs before surgery, it’s probably not a good idea to try and ski afterward. However, experienced skiers should be fine on the slopes after knee replacement.

Avoid Unnecessary Skiing Risks

While experienced skiers should be able to ski after knee replacement, you may have to make some accommodations. You want to avoid skiing terrain that will result in heavy impact on your knee or significantly increase your risk of injury. The following tips will help you ski safely on a prosthetic knee:

• Ski on days when the snow is soft and powdery, and avoid skiing on icy hardpack days
• Ski the groomers and avoid the bumps, trees, and other terrains that can place stress on your knee joint
• Always ski in control – bad falls will significantly increase your risk of injuries which may cause your new knee joint to wear out faster
• Start with a few easy runs each day to see how your knee is feeling
• Be aware of your energy level, and don’t ski when you’re reaching the point of fatigue

Make sure you always listen to your body. Call it a day if you’re experiencing any soreness or stiffness in your knee when skiing. This will reduce your risk of aggravating your surgically repaired knee.

Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Can Help You Restore Knee Function

You may benefit from knee replacement surgery if you’ve struggled with chronic knee pain. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics has developed a reputation as one of the leading orthopedic surgery clinics on the Western Slope. Our surgeons are all board-certified and fellowship-trained, ensuring your procedure is performed by some of the finest doctors in the region.

Our knee surgeon, Dr. Kevin Borchard, uses the Mako Robotic-Arm Surgery System by Stryker to improve the precision of your procedure. This state-of-the-art technology allows for greater procedure customization while minimizing surgical risks.

In addition, Dr. Borchard regularly achieves knee replacement outcomes that exceed industry standards. His patients benefit from shorter stays in the hospital and the ability to complete their physical therapy in an outpatient facility rather than an inpatient rehabilitation center. Dr. Borchard’s patients also rank in the 90^th percentile for distance walked before discharge from the hospital, providing a smooth transition into their post-operative physical therapy.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker and throughout the Western Slope.