Recovery from knee surgery

Although recovering from knee replacement surgery takes time and looks different for everyone, taking the time to be gentle with yourself and follow a tailored recovery programme can help you get better faster.

Unfortunately, high impact activities like running and contact sports such as rugby or martial arts are not advised for anyone who has undergone knee replacement surgery due to the increased risk of further injury. But there are certain sports and physical activities that are beneficial and can help you get back fighting fit again while you recover.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s recovery from knee replacement surgery is different, so always listen to your physiotherapist or consultant who will understand your unique clinical needs and tailor your recovery programme around you.

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is an operation to treat knee pain. The procedure involves removing bits of your knee joint that have become damaged and replacing them with artificial elements, also known as implants or a prosthesis. This should remove the source of your pain, helping you to walk more easily and letting you get back to living life as normal. 

There are two main forms of knee replacement surgery: total knee replacement and partial knee replacement surgery. One involves the removal of your entire knee socket, while the other involves the removal of part of your knee.

According to Harvard Health, studies find that 80% to 90% of people who undergo knee replacement are happy with the results. The surgery can be life-changing, but you do need to follow your consultant's instructions during your recovery period to reap the benefits fully.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

There are many actions you can take to speed up the process of your recovery from knee surgery. These include:

Walking

Is walking good for you after total knee replacement surgery? Yes! Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to engage in following a knee operation and is a vital part of recovery from day one. At first, you will be walking with the aid of a frame, crutches or walking sticks. Progress will be slow, but as your recovery progresses you will eventually be walking unaided. It’s important to walk every day and aim to steadily increase the duration and distance. Always listen to your body and rest as required. Taking time for yourself in between walking can do you the world of good.

Everything you need to know about how to get fit by walking

Swimming

According to The National Library of Medicine, aquatic training and swimming regularly is beneficial for your mobility.   

Because swimming is not a weight bearing form of exercise, it is a suitable type of exercise following knee replacement surgery. However, you shouldn’t begin swimming until three months after the surgery to protect your knee joint. As always, start out slowly and take particular care with breast stroke, as this can be a higher impact style of swimming. Make sure whatever stroke you’re doing it feels comfortable and ensure your movements are careful and controlled. Within three months after total knee replacement surgery, you should be well on your way to a full recovery and able to carry out usual, everyday activities with ease, so swimming can become part of your regular fitness routine. 

Cycling

This is a popular sport to engage in after knee replacement surgery because it is low impact. Cycling also engages and strengthens all the major leg muscles including the quadriceps as well as moving your knee through a full range of motion. At first it’s important to begin on a stationary and stable exercise bike to build up strength and endurance before cycling on the roads.

Golf

As long as your surgeon or physiotherapist believes you are sufficiently recovered from knee replacement surgery you can play golf. Because much of the sport involves upper body work and walking it doesn’t put too much strain on the knee but as always take things easy by starting out on the driving range first and then building up to a full game.

Dancing

Sports or activities that put excessive pressure or torque on the knee are advised against following knee replacement surgery, which means that fast paced or strenuous dancing may be unsuitable. However in general dancing classes such as ballroom dancing are fine and help build strength and flexibility in the knee. These five activities are all suitable to try following your knee replacement surgery once your health professional agrees. And of course listen to your body, if you try one of these activities and find it causes undue pain and discomfort stop and discuss with your physiotherapist or consultant.

Knee replacement recovery exercises

Suitable exercise following knee replacement surgery, if done correctly, can help to reduce your pain. Speak to your physiotherapist about which exercises are safe for you to perform first. Normally, exercises are prescribed, because they don't all suit everyone. Nobody's injury is the exact same, so it's important to work with your physiotherapist to build a tailored plan that works for you.

If you experience more pain while exercising, you should stop and consult your physiotherapist. Do remember that some aches and pains following an exercise session is normal. Our physiotherapists call it DOMS (delayed onset muscles soreness) and it usually subsides within 12-24 hours.

In general, musculoskeletal (muscles and joints) exercise will help improve circulation, which will improve your mobility and strengthen the muscles in your knee to keep your body supple. Special exercises can help improve your balance as well as reaction times. It also helps in building your confidence to move more freely. Everybody has their own capacity of how much and what exercise they can tolerate. It’s always important to start gradually and progress slowly. Too fast too soon often leads to injury rather than improvement and recovery.

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience and is unique to every individual. Understanding your pain levels helps, as does managing it with proper medication, the local application of ointments, regularly performing tailored exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist after a thorough assessment, and gradually increasing your fitness and overall wellbeing.

Supports like bespoke braces or corsets can help support the weak part of your body and can improve your mobility, however supporting or bracing should only be done for required amounts of time, unless indicated otherwise.

Following a thorough assessment, physiotherapy can help guide and plan your further treatment. By directing people for corrective movements and safer techniques, it can vastly improve your quality of life and recovery following surgery. We believe in our patients using mindfulness and believe in empowering people to look after themselves and manage their symptoms properly as they recovery. 

Get physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery

Call us to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists today if you're struggling with knee pain after surgery.