Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also called Total Knee Arthroplasty, is one of the most successful surgeries for severe knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic joint degeneration.However, the success of the surgery depends heavily on proper rehabilitation before and after the procedure.

At SENSE Health, Bangalore, we provide a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation program designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and help patients regain independence.

This guide brings together the latest evidence from leading medical and rehabilitation guidelines to give you a clear picture of what best-practice knee replacement recovery looks like.

Why Rehabilitation Matters After Total Knee Replacement

Even after a successful knee replacement surgery, many patients experience:

• Weak quadriceps and hip muscles

• Stiffness or reduced knee bending

• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs

• Swelling and reduced balance

• Fear of movement

• Reduced confidence

Research consistently shows that a structured rehabilitation program improves strength, function, range of motion, and long-term outcomes, especially for adults over age 45.

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery

During Total Knee Replacement:

• Damaged cartilage and bone are removed

• A metal-and-plastic prosthetic joint is implanted

• A smooth gliding surface is created to restore pain-free movement

Most patients stay 1–3 days in the hospital and start physiotherapy within hours of surgery.

Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment, but rehabilitation steps are similar.

Prehabilitation: Preparing for Surgery

Studies show that patients who exercise before surgery recover faster.Prehab focuses on:

• Quadriceps strengthening

• Hip and core strengthening

• Knee mobility and stretching

• Gait training

• Pain and swelling management

• Education about post-operative expectations

Prehabilitation helps reduce complications, speeds up healing, and improves surgical outcomes.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Timeline

Below is a structured, evidence-based TKR rehabilitation framework used internationally and tailored for seniors at SENSE Health.

Phase 1: Immediate Post-Operative (Day 0 – Week 2)

Goals:

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Activate muscles

• Restore basic knee movement

• Start walking with support

  
  

Key exercises:

• Ankle pumps

• Quadriceps sets

• Straight leg raises

• Heel slides

• Assisted knee bends

• Gentle knee extension stretches

  
  

Therapies at SENSE Health:

• Cryotherapy for swelling

• Compression

• Early gait training with walker

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for weak quadriceps

• Education on safe mobility and home setup

Target ROM: 0° extension, 90° flexion

Phase 2: Early Strengthening and Mobility (Week 2 – Week 6)

Goals:

• Improve knee bending

• Increase walking tolerance

• Begin functional strengthening

• Reduce dependence on walking aids

  
  

Exercises:

• Standing knee bends

• Mini squats (supported)

• Hip abduction and extension

• Step-ups

• Stationary bike (low resistance)

• Stretching for hamstrings & calves

  
  

Therapies:

• Manual therapy for stiffness

• Patellar mobilization

• Gait correction

• Balance and proprioception training

Target ROM: 0°–115°

Patients usually transition from walker → cane → independent walking.

Phase 3: Advanced Strengthening and Functional Training (Week 6 – Week 12)

Goals:

• Regain full functional strength

• Improve balance and stability

• Prepare for daily activities

  
  

Exercises:

• Leg press (low–moderate load)

• Hamstring curls

• Wall squats

• Step-downs

• Cycling with resistance

• Single-leg balance exercises

• Functional movements: sit-to-stand, stair climbing

  
  

Therapies:

• Gait training without support

• Balance systems

• Core and hip stability training

• Progressive loading with careful monitoring

Target ROM: 120°+

Phase 4: Return to Full Activity (3–6 Months)

Goals:

• Resume normal lifestyle activities

• Improve endurance

• Achieve long-term joint stability

  
  

Exercises:

• Advanced strengthening

• Longer walking distances

• Treadmill / cycling

• Light jogging (if cleared)

• Flexibility training

  
  

Many patients regain near-full function by 6 months, although full recovery may take up to 1 year.

Common Challenges After Knee Replacement

Patients often face:

• Swelling

• Morning stiffness

• Reduced balance

• Difficulty kneeling

• Scar tissue formation

• Fatigue

  
  

At SENSE Health, we manage these with:

• Cryotherapy

• Manual therapy

• Scar mobilization

• Progressive strengthening

• Balance training

• Pain-science education

  
  

Advanced Rehabilitation Options at SENSE Health

SENSE Health provides advanced technologies that accelerate recovery:

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

• Gait Training and Balance Systems

• Robotic Lower-Limb Rehabilitation

• Strength and endurance training equipment

• Pain management therapies (ultrasound, TENS, laser therapy)

• Home-exercise tracking and tele-rehab follow-ups

  
  

These evidence-based tools are especially beneficial for seniors or patients with weak muscles or slow recovery.

When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately

• Persistent fever

• Increasing redness around incision

• Excessive swelling or fluid discharge

• Severe calf pain (possible blood clot)

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden inability to bear weight

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Why Choose SENSE Health for TKR Rehabilitation in Bangalore

• Senior-friendly, safe environment

• Highly trained physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists

• Individualised rehab plans

• Integration of advanced rehab technologies

• Home-based and centre-based therapy

• Focus on pain control, mobility, and functional independence

• Expertise in complex and slow-healing cases

Our mission is to help you walk confidently and live pain-free after your knee replacement.

Book Your Knee Replacement Rehabilitation Program

If you or your loved one is preparing for knee replacement surgery or recovering from one, SENSE Health can help ensure a smooth, safe, and strong return to daily life.

Phone: +91 96633 34659

Website: SenseHealth.co.in

Live stronger. Move safely. Recover with confidence at SENSE Health.

FAQ

1. How much should I walk after knee replacement?

Most patients begin walking with a walker on the same day of surgery. By 2–3 weeks, most can walk indoors independently. Gradually increase walking time to 20–30 minutes daily as tolerated.

2. What knee range of motion should I achieve after TKR?

A common goal is 0° extension and 90° flexion by 2 weeks, 0°–115° by 6 weeks, and ideally 120°+ by 12 weeks for comfort during daily activities.

3. How long does knee swelling last after knee replacement?

Swelling is normal for several weeks and sometimes up to 3 months. Elevation, ice, compression, and controlled exercises help reduce swelling.

4. Is stiffness normal after total knee replacement?

Mild stiffness is common, especially in the morning. Persistent stiffness usually improves with consistent stretching, ROM exercises, and physical therapy.

5. Can elderly patients recover fully after TKR?

Yes. Seniors often recover extremely well when rehabilitation is tailored to their strength, balance, and mobility needs, with supervision to prevent falls.

6. When can I climb stairs after knee replacement?

Most patients can climb stairs within 2–3 weeks using the “up with the good, down with the bad” technique. Independent stair climbing is usually possible by 6–8 weeks.

7. What exercises are most important after knee replacement?

Quadriceps sets, heel slides, straight leg raises, standing knee bends, mini squats, step-ups, and cycling are top evidence-based exercises for optimal recovery.

8. Can I resume driving after knee replacement?

For left knee replacement (automatic car), most can resume driving in 3–4 weeks. For right knee replacement, it may take 4–6 weeks. Clearance from your doctor is required.

9. When will my knee feel “normal” again?

While major improvements occur within 6–12 weeks, full recovery—including strength, stability, and confidence—may take 6–12 months.

10. Is pain normal during TKR rehab exercises?

Mild discomfort is expected, but sharp pain is not. Exercises should be challenging but safe. Any sharp pain, swelling spike, or catching sensation should be discussed with your therapist.

11. Do I need physiotherapy even if I feel fine?

Yes. Even if pain decreases early, muscle weakness and gait asymmetry persist without therapy. Structured rehab ensures long-term strength and prevents complications.

12. What advanced rehab techniques help speed up recovery?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), balance training systems, robotic gait training, cryotherapy, and manual therapy help reduce stiffness, improve gait, and accelerate muscle recovery.