SURE Study

Enhancing Recovery after GAE Procedure

Welcome

Congratulations on completing your Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) procedure! GAE is a minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Now that you’ve taken this important step, let’s make sure your recovery is just as successful.

This guide gives you 10 practical and encouraging tips to help you heal, stay active, and get the most from your treatment.

Your Recovery Journey After GAE: Top 10 Tips to Maximize Your Knee Relief

1. Expect to Feel Better – But Some Soreness Is Normal

You might feel significant relief as early as the next day, but it’s also perfectly normal to have mild soreness or stiffness in your knee for a few days. This is part of the healing process and not a cause for concern.

 

2. Take It Easy for the First Few Days

Your body needs rest to recover properly. Limit excessive activity for the first 48 hours – Use this time to recover, do gentle movement and activity, but avoid standing for long periods.

 

3. Gentle Movement Beats Inactivity

Even light movement helps you recover better. – Try stretching, short walks, or seated exercises – don’t be afraid of gentle effort.

 

4. Increase Activity Slowly and Gradually

It’s exciting to feel better – but resist the urge to overdo it! Avoid strenuous activity for the first week. Most people can resume their normal routine 1 week post procedure. If you want to get the most our of your pain relief and become more active then follow the 10% rule: Increase your activity by approx 10% each week

 

5. Try Pool Exercises for a Low-Impact Start

Water exercise is a great way to build strength with less joint strain—especially in warm weather. – Watch: YouTube Water Exercises for Knee OA – Benefits: Buoyancy reduces pressure on your knees by up to 75%

 

6. Use Trusted Online Resources

Good advice is just a click away – just be sure it’s evidence-based. Look for videos created by licensed physical therapists or reputable health organizations. Watch: YouTube Knee OA Strength Program (2:20–14:16) for a sample of evidence-based home exercise for knee osteoarthritis.

 

7. Consider Working with a Physical Therapist

If you’d like more structure in your recovery, a physical therapist can create a personalized plan to help you: Improve flexibility and joint mobility, strengthen the muscles that support your knee and build confidence in your movement

 

8. Eat Well to Heal Well

What you eat supports how you heal. A balanced diet with whole foods including lean proteins, Vitamin C, D and calcium support tissue repair, reduce inflammation and support recovery. Staying hydrated aids in maintaining joint lubrication and general bodily functions. It can also help manage post-procedure swelling. Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily.

 

9. Maintaining a Healthy Weight Supports Long-Term Knee Relief

Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your knee joints. In fact, for every 1 pound of weight lost, you can reduce knee joint pressure by up to 4 pounds with every walking step. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you get more lasting relief from your GAE procedure. Pairing regular low-impact activity with healthy eating habits can make a big difference over time.

 

10. Stay Positive and Celebrate Your Progress

Recovery isn’t always a straight line but every step forward matters. Keep a recovery journal or checklist and track wins: “I walked 30 minutes today” or “First time climbing up stairs without pain”