Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement

November 10, 2025

Every surgery has its own risks and side effects. Knee replacement surgery is no less! However, physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery can make all the difference. Knee replacement is also known as total knee arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants composed of metal and plastic.

Every year, more than 2,50,000 patients undergo knee replacement surgery in India. The surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic joint injuries when pain and stiffness limit daily activities. Surgery is the first step to healing, but the physiotherapy you receive after the operation is important for active rehabilitation. So, keep reading to explore what to expect from physiotherapy after knee replacement. Go through the recovery tips so that you can regain strength and confidence in your new knee.

Postoperative Knee Physiotherapy: Importance and Overview

Recovery from knee replacement involves a course of surgical recovery and active rehabilitation. Postoperative knee physiotherapy isn't optional; it's actually an important component of the treatment. Early post-surgical physiotherapy for the knee is used to achieve the following:

Restore movement,
Alleviate pain, and
Avoid complications such as joint stiffness or the development of scar tissue.

The majority of patients start gentle exercises within hours following surgery under the direction of a therapist. A few exercises, like guided straightening and bending of the knee, enhance blood flow and avoid excessive stiffness. Physiotherapists also teach you about walking aids (such as walkers or canes), stair use, and pain management. Thus, physiotherapy bridges between the operating room and your daily life, ensuring your new knee enables you to resume the activities with confidence and stability.

Physical Therapy Knee Surgery: Timeline and Phases

Every patient has a unique recovery progress. But physical therapy for knee surgery generally follows a specific timeline. Here's an overview of typical rehabilitation phases after a knee replacement:

Phase	Timeframe	Focus Area	Exercises	Quick Recovery Tips
Immediate Post-Operation	Day 0–1	Pain control, circulation, early movement	Ankle pumps, assisted knee bends/straightening, deep breathing, standing/walking with a walker (with supervision)	Don’t skip early movements. They prevent stiffness and blood clots. Also, use ice packs for swelling.
Early Recovery	Week 1–2	Regain range of motion, basic strength, swelling control	Heel slides, quadriceps sets, straight leg raises, short walks with walker/crutches, ice & elevation	Do exercises several times daily. Keep the knee elevated when resting. Take painkillers before therapy, if advised.
Mid Recovery	Week 3–6	Increase mobility, balance, and independence	Step-ups, light resistance training, longer walks, stationary cycling (as tolerated), transition from walker to cane	Don’t rush to ditch assistive devices. Practice safe walking. Add balance exercises under the physiotherapist's guidance.
Late Recovery	2–3 Months+	Build full strength, restore flexibility, and return to daily life	Stair climbing practice, advanced strengthening, endurance exercises (cycling, swimming), walking unaided, return to most normal activities	Stay consistent with exercises even after formal therapy ends. Choose low-impact activities and avoid high-impact sports.

Knee Mobility Exercises After Surgery

The most important element of post-op rehab is doing specific knee mobility exercises after surgery to rebuild strength and flexibility. Your physiotherapist may customize those exercises as per your condition. However, there are some common mobility exercises that form the foundation of most knee replacement rehab programs. Here are a few key activities often recommended by a physical therapist post surgery:

1. Ankle Pumps

This exercise is usually the very first exercise you’ll do, starting as early as day 1 post-surgery. While lying in bed, gently flex your ankles up and down. This simple exercise improves blood circulation, and you will be able to prevent blood clots in the legs immediately after surgery.

2. Heel Slides

Heel slides are a simple strengthening exercise after knee replacement, increasing knee flexion (bend) gradually and preventing scar tissue from limiting your range of motion. Lie on your back (or sit upright in bed) and slowly slide your heel toward your buttocks. Then, bend the knee as far as comfortable and slide it back out. Try to bend a bit more each day within your pain tolerance to get maximum benefits.

3. Quadriceps Sets

This exercise is meant to build strength in the quadriceps without moving the knee joint. With your leg straight, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh (imagine pushing the back of your knee down into the bed). Hold for a few seconds and release. These static holds (quad sets) are essential for walking and supporting the knee.

4. Gentle Knee Bends (Seated or Supported)

This exercise improves flexibility as you sit in a chair and bend your knee by sliding your foot back and forth on the floor, or use a strap/towel around your foot to assist in bending the knee. Another version is to sit at the edge of a bed and let the knee slowly bend under its own weight (gravity-assisted hang) for a short time to stretch it.

Knee Replacement Recovery Tips

Recovering from the knee replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. But there are some ways to make it safer and easier. Here are some practical knee replacement recovery tips to get the best results from your surgery and physiotherapy:

Follow Your Physical Therapist’s Instructions Diligently

Attend all scheduled physiotherapy sessions and do your home exercise program as prescribed. Skipping exercises or rehab appointments can slow down your recovery and lead to stiffness. Think of therapy as part of your daily routine, where each session would bring you one step closer to normal mobility.

Manage Pain and Swelling

Manage your pain and swelling by consuming painkillers. Using ice packs and elevations helps to reduce swelling. For example, 15-20 minutes of icing several times a day. Moreover, consider using prescribed compression stockings if recommended to prevent fluid buildup. All of these will help you to do exercises swiftly.

Use Assistive Devices Safely

Walker, crutches or canes help prevent falls, which can seriously damage a new knee. Use them as instructed until your physiotherapist or surgeon confirms you’re steady enough to walk without them. Ask for help with stairs or uneven terrain, as falls are a hazard in the first few weeks

Also Read: Physiotherapy after Spine Surgery

Get Personalised Physiotherapy Post Knee Replacement!

Postoperative knee physiotherapy helps patients recover from a knee replacement surgery. It gradually transforms surgical results into real-world mobility. It’s important to remember that healing is not an overnight miracle but a steady progression. Each exercise you do is a victory, building toward a better quality of life. With a positive mindset and the guidance of your medical team, you can reclaim your mobility once again.

At Apollo Spectra, we are committed to providing physiotherapy after knee replacement. Our team of experts crafts a personalised rehabilitation plan so that you recover safely and effectively. Consult our physiotherapy experts now and get world-class knee replacement surgery today!