What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery

So, you’ve taken the plunge and had knee replacement surgery—congratulations! That’s a huge step (literally) toward a pain-free and more active life. But now you might be wondering: what happens next? Recovery is a journey, and while it takes time, knowing what to expect each week can make the process a lot smoother. Let’s break it down!

Week 1: The Immediate Aftermath

Right after surgery, you’ll likely still be in the hospital or a recovery center for a day or two. Your knee will be swollen, and you’ll have some pain—totally normal! The medical team will manage your pain with medications and ice therapy.

What to expect:

• You’ll start moving your knee almost immediately. (Yes, really!)
• A physical therapist will help you take your first few steps using a walker or crutches.
• You’ll do gentle exercises to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
• Rest and elevation will be key to reducing swelling.
• You might feel tired, groggy, and sore—this is temporary!

Pro tip: Stay ahead of the pain by taking your prescribed medications on schedule. Don’t wait until you’re in severe pain to take them!

Week 2: Getting Into the Groove

By now, you’re home and adjusting to your new routine. Your knee will still be swollen and stiff, but daily exercises will help you regain mobility. Your physical therapy (PT) sessions will ramp up, and you’ll focus on bending and straightening your knee as much as possible.

What to expect:

• You’ll continue using a walker or crutches, but you’ll start putting more weight on your leg.
• PT exercises will become part of your daily routine.
• Bruising and swelling are still present but should start improving.
• Your incision is healing, but you’ll need to watch for any signs of infection (redness, warmth, or excessive drainage).
• You may still need pain medication, especially before therapy sessions.

Pro tip: Ice, elevate, and stay hydrated. Swelling can be stubborn, so give your knee all the help it can get!

Week 3-4: Making Progress

Things are starting to look up! You might feel more confident moving around and even be able to switch to a cane instead of a walker. Your physical therapy will become more challenging, focusing on improving your range of motion and strength.

What to expect:

• You’ll be walking more and possibly transitioning to a cane.
• Your knee should be bending to at least 90 degrees.
• Swelling and pain should be decreasing, though still present.
• You might start working on stairs with guidance from your therapist.
• You’ll feel more independent but should still be cautious.

Pro tip: Stick with your exercises! Recovery isn’t just about time passing—it’s about the effort you put in. The more you move (safely), the better your knee will function.

Week 5-6: Feeling More Like Yourself

At this stage, many people start feeling like they’re turning a corner. Your knee is moving better, you’re more confident on your feet, and you might even be able to walk without a cane for short distances.

What to expect:

• Walking without assistance is becoming easier.
• You should have around 110-degree knee bend (or more!).
• Strength training exercises will help rebuild muscle.
• Swelling is much improved but still lingers at times.
• You may be cleared to drive if you had surgery on your non-driving leg and aren’t taking strong pain meds.

Pro tip: Listen to your body! If you’re feeling extra sore, take it easy and use ice. Progress isn’t always linear, and some days will be tougher than others.

Week 7-8: Almost There!

Your knee is much stronger now, and you’re probably back to doing more daily activities without thinking twice. Physical therapy continues, but it’s more about refining your movements and increasing endurance.

What to expect:

• You can likely walk without a cane.
• Your knee is bending well, and straightening fully.
• You can do more day-to-day tasks, like cooking and shopping, with little difficulty.
• Swelling is minimal but may still pop up after long periods of activity.
• You’re feeling stronger and more like your old self!

Pro tip: Start setting small goals for yourself—maybe it’s walking a little farther each day or standing for longer periods. Celebrate your wins!

Month 3 and Beyond: Back to Normal Life

By now, you should be feeling pretty good! Most patients return to their normal daily activities, and some even start low-impact exercises like swimming, biking, or gentle yoga.

What to expect:

• Minimal pain and swelling.
• More strength and endurance.
• Continued improvement in flexibility and movement.
• You’re able to enjoy hobbies again—like golf, gardening, or light hiking.
• Some people still experience occasional stiffness, but this usually fades over time.

Pro tip: Even though you feel great, keep up with strengthening exercises! A strong knee will serve you well for years to come.

Long-Term Recovery and Maintenance

Even after the three-month mark, you should continue working on knee strength and flexibility. Some patients take up to a year to feel completely “back to normal,” but with consistency, you’ll continue seeing improvements.

What to keep in mind:

• Stay active but avoid high-impact activities like running.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knee.
• Keep up with your stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Pay attention to any unusual pain or swelling and consult your doctor if needed.

Final Thoughts: Stay Positive, Stay Consistent

Knee replacement recovery takes time, but every week brings you closer to pain-free movement. The key to success is patience, dedication to physical therapy, and taking care of yourself along the way.

If you ever feel stuck, frustrated, or like you’re not making progress, remind yourself how far you’ve come. Your new knee is giving you a fresh start—embrace it and keep moving forward!

Need help with your recovery? At Pick PT, we’re here to guide you through every step of the way, making sure you regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Let’s get you back to doing what you love!

Ready to get started? Contact Pick PT today!