UpPlus Physiotherapy Logo

Knee Replacement Rehab

Knee replacement rehabilitation is more demanding than hip, and range of movement is the part that will not wait — bend and full straightening recovered in the first weeks are much harder to win back later. We work to your surgeon's protocol and push the parts that are time-critical while building the strength that takes longer.

Related reading: the arthritis that led to it.

What causes it

  • Advanced knee osteoarthritis, by far the most common reason
  • Inflammatory arthritis affecting the knee
  • Significant deformity or instability
  • A previous replacement being revised

What you might notice

  • Swelling and stiffness through the early weeks
  • Limited bend, which is the main early challenge
  • Difficulty fully straightening the knee
  • Marked quadriceps weakness, often present before surgery
  • Difficulty with stairs and getting out of chairs

How we treat it

  • Range of movement work started early, since this window does not stay open
  • Swelling management and scar mobilisation
  • Progressive quadriceps, hamstring and hip strengthening
  • Walking retraining and stair practice
  • Balance and confidence work
  • Graded return to walking distance, driving, work and activity

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so the right treatment depends on an assessment. If your pain followed a significant injury, is getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness or unexplained weight loss, please see your GP.

The range of movement window does not stay open

Bend recovered in the first six weeks is far easier than bend chased at six months. If you have surgery booked or have just had it, start now.

Book post-surgical rehab Ask a question first

Or call us on (08) 7008 7566 — we see patients across Seaton, Modbury and Stepney.

Other knee conditions we treat

Patellofemoral Pain ACL Injury Meniscus Injury Knee Osteoarthritis Patellar Tendinopathy

Back to all knee conditions