Table 2. First step postoperative rehabilitation in OA.

Schematic representation of primary rehabilitation activities that should be included in post-operative rehabilitation program soon after the surgery.

PHASE	TYPE OF ACTIVITY	EFFECTS
FIRST STEP	CONTROLLED WEIGHT BEARING	Nourishes the articular cartilage and provides molecular signals necessary to produce an optimal extracellular matrix.
	RANGE OF MOTION (ROM)	Facilitates healing process and prevents degeneration.
	FORCE PLATFORM	Facilitates a normal gait pattern and enhances strength, proprioception, and balance.
	PASSIVE RANGE OF MOTION (PROM)	Nourishes the healing articular cartilage and prevents the formation of adhesions.
	CONTINUOUS PASSIVE MOTION (CPM)	Enhances cartilage healing and long-term outcomes.
	ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION AND BIOFEEDBACK	Promotes the active contraction of musculature.
	STRETCHING EXERCISES (in advanced phases of rehabilitation)	Increases the amount of stress applied to the joint and provides a stimulus for cartilage tissue healing.
* In case of prosthesis	PASSIVE FLEXION-EXTENSION (with use of special machines)	Facilitates healing process.