Recovery guide after knee replacement
Short, plain lessons for each stage of the weeks and months after a knee replacement. Open to everyone, no account needed.
Lessons that start in weeks 1 and 2
- Swelling and iceSwelling after a knee replacement is normal and can last for weeks, sometimes months. It is part of healing, not a sign that something went wrong.
- Pain in the first weeksSome pain is expected after a knee replacement, especially after exercises. It does not mean the new joint is being damaged - gentle, regular…
- Walking aids: using them and letting them goYour frame or crutches are tools for safe, confident walking - not a sign of weakness. Use them the way your surgical team showed you, and put as…
- Sleeping and resting wellPoor sleep is one of the most common complaints after a knee replacement - and it usually improves as the knee settles.
Lessons that start in weeks 3 and 4
- Wound and scar careFollow your surgical team's instructions about dressings and keeping the wound dry - teams differ, and theirs is the advice that counts.
- Why the daily exercises matter so muchThe weeks after a knee replacement are a window: this is when the new knee most easily gains the bending and straightening it will keep. Daily…
- Stairs with confidenceStairs come back sooner than most people expect, with one simple rule…
Lessons that start in weeks 5 to 8
- Pacing and flare-upsAround this stage many people feel clearly better - and promptly do too much on a good day. The result is often a flare-up: a day or two of more pain…
- Driving and getting back to daily lifeThere is no single week on the calendar when everyone can drive again. It depends on which leg was operated, whether you drive a manual or automatic…
- Plateaus are part of recoveryProgress after a knee replacement is not a straight line. Weeks where nothing seems to improve - or where the knee even feels more stiff - are a…
Lessons that start in weeks 9 to 11
Lessons that start in week 12 or later
Follow the free exercise program
The lessons explain. The program guides your exercises, one at a time.