If you’ve recently undergone—or are preparing for—a total joint replacement, the surgery is just the beginning of your journey. What happens in the days, weeks, and months that follow will shape your long-term results.
In Part 1, we covered the reasons for joint replacements, the importance of prehab, and what
to expect during surgery. Now let’s talk about recovery and rehab—because that’s where the
real work (and progress) happens.
The First 6 Months: What Recovery Looks Like
Total knee replacement recovery is different for everyone and is never without the occasional
obstacle. We’ll be here to guide you through but here’s a general timeline of what you can
expect.
Week 1–2: The Early Days
- Discharged from hospital
- Pain management: Medications and ice are your best friends
- Movement begins immediately: Most patients start walking day of or day after surgery
with a walker or crutches - Home or rehab facility: Discharge depends on your support system and mobility
Your focus:
- Reduce swelling and manage pain
- Begin gentle exercises to regain knee range of motion (ROM) as prescribed by your
physiotherapist - Practice bed mobility, transfers, and walking short distances
- Prevent complications like blood clots and infection
Weeks 2–6: Building the Foundation
This is when physical therapy (PT) becomes key to optimising recovery
- Most patients attend physiotherapy regularly to monitor the joint replacement (at least
once a week) - Exercises are completed within clinic and at home that focus on:
- Improving knee bend and straightening
- Strengthening quads, hamstrings, and glutes
- Walking with better balance and coordination
- Assistive devices like walkers are usually weaned off as tolerated by the patient
(normally this process begins after a couple of weeks – depending on how well rehab
is going)
Your focus:
- Improve range of motion further
- Be able to walk short distances unaided or with a cane
- Manage swelling and improve endurance
- Improve muscular strength surrounding the joint and improve coordination/balance
- Working towards full straightening of the knee
Weeks 6–12: Return to Function
At this stage, you’re likely feeling more confident—and more independent.
- Walking longer distances
- Climbing stairs with support
- Driving may be possible (depending on leg strength and reaction time)
- Achieving close to maximal range of motion
Rehab gets more intensive:
- Strength training increases
- Balance, proprioception, and endurance exercises added
- Transition from rehab to more functional movements (e.g., getting up from a chair,
squatting, light household chores)
Your focus:
- Return to basic daily activities without pain or major limitation
- Continue improving mobility, strength, and stamina
Months 3–6: Toward Full Recovery
By now, many patients feel mostly back to normal, though full recovery can continue up to 12
months.
What’s improving:
- Walking long distances without pain
- Standing for longer periods
- Traveling or returning to low-impact hobbies (gardening, golfing, swimming)
What to keep working on:
- Ongoing strength gains
- Advanced balance and functional training
- Sport-specific rehab if returning to recreational activities
You may be cleared to:
- Return to desk-based work by 6–8 weeks
- Resume light physical work by 3–4 months
- Resume higher-demand jobs or sports closer to 6 months (with surgeon clearance)
This is very patient specific, depending on your role and current function. Conversations with
the surgeon, GP and physiotherapy will be had to mitigate all risks involve with resuming work.
Tips for Long-Term Success
- Stick with your home exercise program after formal Physiotherapy ends
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the new joint
- Choose low-impact activities (cycling, walking, swimming) for lifelong joint health
- Listen to your body—some swelling and stiffness can persist for months
Final Thoughts
A total joint replacement is a major procedure—but it’s also a life-changing one. With commitment to rehab and patience through the process, most people regain significant mobility, reduce or eliminate chronic pain, and return to doing the things they love.
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already recovering, remember healing takes time, but every step forward counts. If you feel you would benefit from a comprehensive prehab or rehab plan following a total joint replacement. feel free to book online or call us on 039885457.