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).
Opioids can also be used in limited doses but must be monitored closely, due to side effects and high addiction risk.
Knee replacement rehabilitation, or knee replacement rehab, can be started as soon as the day of the operation, subject to your surgeon’s approval. If needed 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.
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.
