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Recovery and rehabilitation
after knee replacement surgery
Return to do what you love, it’s up to you!
  • Every patient is different. You deserve a personalized solution for your unique anatomy
  • Every patient is different. You deserve a personalized solution for your unique anatomy
  • Every patient is different. You deserve a personalized solution for your unique anatomy
  • Every patient is different. You deserve a personalized solution for your unique anatomy

Beginning with the first day after knee replacement surgery, specialized personnel will manage your recovery by defining the most suitable rehabilitation program for you. They will work with you throughout the gradual recovery process to help you regain knee mobility and increase your quality of life.

knee replacement pain
knee prosthesis
Knee replacement recovery
Knee replacement Rehab

Knee replacement recovery time may be different for each person and vary according to individual condition and surgeon protocol.

Temporary knee replacement pain is a natural part of the healing process. Do not be overly concerned if this happens, as your body is “adjusting” to your new knee prosthesis.

Different types of medication are available to assist with knee pain relief during your knee replacement recovery. Your surgeon will work with you to choose the best option for short-term knee pain relief, which may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or local anesthetics.

Opioids can also be used in limited doses but must be monitored closely, due to side effects and high addiction risk.

Tips
Recovery
POP App
Knee replacement rehabilitation

Knee replacement rehabilitation, or knee replacement rehab, can be started as soon as the day of the operation, subject to your surgeon’s approval. A physical therapist will provide you with specialized knee rehabilitation exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement so you may resume walking and other daily activities.

The Patient Optimized Pathway (POP) digital application can enhance your knee replacement rehabilitation with personalized support, timely reminders, and constant connection to your care team. Recovering from knee replacement will be up to you!

When returning home after surgery, promote healing by continuing to take your medications and exercising as recommended by your medical team. Most people can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks after their total knee replacement surgery16.

When fully recovered, the majority of individuals who have joint replacement surgery experience a reduction in joint pain and an improvement in their ability to participate in daily activities20.

Knee rehab exercises - Patient Optimized Pathway (POP)
Did You Know
Realistic activities following knee replacement surgery may include walking, biking, swimming and other low impact activities21.
Rehab
Exercises
POP App
Knee replacement rehabilitation: Do's and Don'ts

Your commitment to your recovery plays a key role in the success of your knee surgery. Proper In-home care following total knee replacement is an important part of knee rehabilitation and healing.

Knee replacement Rehab
Do ask assistance for a few weeks after knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement Rehab
Do rest yourself and complete your assigned knee rehab
Knee replacement Rehab
Don't overdo your assigned knee rehab
Knee replacement Rehab
Do contact your medical team if something is worrying you
Knee replacement Rehab
Do not make sudden movements
Knee replacement Rehab
Do not play sports
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16) Marecek GS, Schafer MF. Driving after orthopaedic surgery. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(11):696-706
20) AAOS. Before and after total joint replacement. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/before-and-after-total-joint-replacement-video/. Accessed 12 November 2018
21) Rocco Papalia, Angelo Del Buono, Biagio Zampogna, Nicola Maffulli, Vincenzo Denaro; Sport activity following joint arthroplasty: a systematic review, British Medical Bulletin, Volume 101, Issue 1, 1 March 2012, Pages 81–103, https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldr009.

The purpose of this website is to provide you with generic information on knee anatomy, total knee replacement and technologies, and is not meant to take the place of your orthopedic surgeon’s expertise and advice. Contact your orthopedic surgeon if you have any more questions.

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