Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement: A Week-by-Week Recovery Guide
What recovery after a knee replacement looks like, the exercises that matter in the first weeks, and how to get back to walking and stairs safely.
By Dr. Anjali Gupta (PT) · · Updated
A knee replacement removes the worn joint, but the muscles around the knee are weak and the new joint is stiff after surgery. Physiotherapy is what turns a successful operation into a knee you can walk, climb stairs and sit comfortably with. Most of the recovery depends on the exercises done in the first weeks.
Always follow your surgeon's instructions first. Every operation and every patient is a little different, and your surgeon may give you specific limits.
A typical recovery timeline
| Time after surgery | Main goals |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Start bending and straightening, tighten the thigh muscle, walk with a walker |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Control swelling, bend the knee further, walk short distances |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Build thigh and hip strength, move from walker to stick, practise stairs |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Walk without support, improve balance, return to daily activities |
Key exercises in the early weeks
- Ankle pumps: move your feet up and down briskly, 20 times every hour you are awake. This helps circulation.
- Static quads: press the back of your knee down into the bed and hold 5 seconds. 10 times.
- Heel slides: slide your heel towards you to bend the knee, then straighten. 10 times.
- Straight leg raise: tighten the thigh and lift the straight leg a little. 10 times.
- Knee straightening: rest your heel on a rolled towel and let the knee straighten for a few minutes.
Common mistakes
- Keeping a pillow under the knee: it feels comfortable but makes it harder to straighten the knee later.
- Skipping exercises because of pain: some discomfort is expected. Take pain medicine as prescribed before your sessions.
- Stopping too early: strength keeps improving for months.
Warning signs to report
Tell your surgeon straight away about increasing redness, heat or discharge from the wound, fever, calf pain and swelling, or sudden breathlessness.
Rehabilitation at MuvAgain
We follow your surgeon's protocol and progress you safely from basic movement to stairs, balance and confident walking. Please bring your discharge summary and recent X-rays. Read about our post-surgery rehabilitation in Patna or book an appointment.
Elderly patients are welcome to bring a family member, who can learn the home exercises with them.