Total Knee Replacement Recovery Time Frame

The recovery timeframe after a total knee replacement may be divided into three segments.

1.) The first 48-hours is focused on pain management and recovery.

2.) 48-hours to 10-days should focus on range of motion and walking.

3.) 10-days and 12-weeks to emphasis shifts to regaining function. Walking normally, ascending/descending stairs or curbs, carrying objects, and return to driving are just a few of the functional activities that will improve during this time frame.

Weeks 1-2:

Focus on healing and resting.

You will have experienced a significant amount of blood loss during surgery which often results in rapid fatigue with relatively simple tasks.

Keep moving during this phase. Stand and walk around your home every 2-4 hours.

This is an important time to build confidence in the knee’s ability to tolerate loading. Continue to shift weight onto the knee in a straight leg standing position.

 Week 3-4

As the incision heals and range of motion improves continue to use the knee in normal daily activities such as standing from a chair, walking, and negotiating stairs.

Continue to strengthen the hip and ankle which will improve knee strength and range of motion. 

Continue to perform upper body cardiorespiratory exercises to improve overall health, increase endurance, and counteract the effects of decreased activity.

Weeks 5-6

Walking should start to normalize.

Range of motion will continue to improve as swelling is reduced.

Expect swelling to persist for many more months, however, your best indication of doing too much is when swelling and pain increase.

If you are able to walk for 30-minutes without increased pain and swelling within the same 24-hour episode then continue to progress.

If pain and swelling increase and your ability to be active is reduced you are likely doing too much or must notify your surgeon.

How To Use TENS During Range of Motion Exercises?

During knee flexion the TENS unit may reduce pain and reflexive muscle guarding. In the photo below I am demonstrating a technique known as a heel slide with overpressure.

To perform this exercise the client would sit on a bed, couch, or floor with the foot placed flat on the surface. After sliding the foot back toward the hip, hands will be placed at the top of the shin bone and gentle pressure will be applied back toward the body. 

This position and pressure will be sustained for 10-seconds. Next, the pressure will be removed for 10-seconds then the cycle will repeat. 

What to expect after a total knee replacement?

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Post Op Total Knee Arthroplasty Protoc0l

Phase I – Immediate Post Surgical Phase (Day 0-3):

Phase II – Motion Phase (Day 3 – Week 6)

Phase III – Intermediate phase (week 7-12):

*Reference – Click to view PDF