Top 6 Exercises To Do After Total Knee Replacement

Guest physiotherapist Andrea gives us valuable information regarding physiotherapy and total knee replacement. Exercises you can do at home are also demonstrated.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[beverlysettle]

I am a morbidly obese 62 year old woman who apparently some surgeons would not even do total knee replacement on because of my weight. However my surgeon said it was not a concern for him (along with explaining the risks). At about 2 weeks post op I had my first follow up and had the staples removed. I was at 0 straightened and 100 bending. I started using a cane at that point. I am coming up on 4 weeks post op and I am walking all around the apartment with no cane most of the time, and I am at 0 straight and 115 bending. I stopped the opioids the first week and went to Tylenol Arthritis strength. I am doing the therapy at home and with my therapist 3 times per week. It has not been easy, but it can be done. If I can do it, anyone can. Thanks for all of the great tips on this channel!!

[jynvivs]

I am 1 week out from right TKR and have been religiously doing my exercises 3x a day despite the horrible pain (brought me to tears a few times). Didn’t like my physio on my first appointment, hubby heard me from the waiting room. Love your advice and thoroughness when you discuss different topics; and your humour is a bonus. Shout out to Dr, Zalzal, you were the surgeon on call when my son came in with a compound fracture in his ankle from a soccer injury many years ago and you were amazing, both in your skill as a surgeon as well as your interaction with a scared kid.

[jannegregoire]

I am a 74-year-old woman and this is the 8 week anniversary of my total Bi-Lateral knee
surgery. It was a tough couple of weeks, but glad I had both done at once and had home
therapy and now going to rehab (right knee little weak on stairs) I started driving today and my therapist says I am way ahead of lots of single knee patients. No regrets. Very thankful for my husband's care first two weeks! He is scheduled for one knee this December and I will be helping him. I wish I saw these videos "long before surgery", but enjoying them now. Keep moving and exercising-no pain, no gain and they really mean it.

[ladonnaskeans]

I am 8 months out from right TKR and 2 months out from a left TKR. My therapist had me do heel slides lying down using a slide board and a yoga strap. I have gotten great results with both with these and all the exercises you guys suggest. The chair to chair hang helps a lot with getting the flat out position and being able to sit with your leg straightened out. I ended up with 123° bending on my left knee, and 0 flat out. Ended up with 117° on the right and 0. I put in the work. I let them push me to get back on my feet. All these exercises are crucial in getting the most out of your TKR. You guys videos are great. I wish I had seen them before my first surgery. I'm doing things now I haven't done in 20 years. Your only limit is yourself.

[terim.]

I had a total knee 3 days ago. It hurts like a 'you know what' but I'm pushing myself during the exercises even though it hurts.
Your videos help so much. And I just wanted to thank you both.

[kathyst]

I had my TKR 6 weeks ago and followed your advice (along with my MD and PT). It REALLY works and is so important. The knee flex exercise that was most beneficial to me was: lay in bed, get a long strap, belt, robe tie, whatever, and put it on your foot. Use it to pull your foot forward with your heel on the bed. Keep pulling and hold for 10 seconds. Do it 15 times 2x a day. I would pull until it just felt so tight/uncomfortable. It does work! My flexion is 130 now (unassisted) and 136 when I pull it.

[stephanieminardi]

I HIGHLY recommend going to a rehab center directly from the hospital if that is an option for you!! I did this and it was very structured and consistent, which is what you need after TKR. When i have my knee done again, I will without a doubt do the rehab center option again. Good luck to all of you who will be having a TKR!

[mandyhexter]

my friend had her knee done last week, she is using a skate board to slide her knee back and forth and is making great progress.

[DeceptiJenn]

I'm getting TKR on my left knee on March 28th. I'm really nervous about it, but watching videos like this has calmed me down immensely. Thank you for the advice!

[anastacia]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm on the list for knee replacement. I'm nervous I'm scared. your videos help me.❤

[steveestes]

Going for a TKR in 3 weeks. This video has excellent info for recovery. One thing aside. Please let the PT Andrea know that the word is impor-TANT. NOT impoor-INT. And straighten. NOT stray-IN. Still great info that I will utilize after my surgery. Thank you.

[Timzorrr]

I had a total knee replacement a day and a half ago.
First, the quad strengthening I did for the knee that wasn’t having the surgery has been a life saver. Using that leg to get up and down in the bathroom has been crucial.
I can’t imagine having both knees done the same day.

Second, figuring out when you need pain meds has been more of a challenge than I thought, but have it figured out now.
I take an Oxy & Tylenol every 4 hours roughly and every 3rd time I take a tramadol instead of an Oxy just to mix it up and not get too dependent on either one.
I was sent home with a On-Q nerve block catheter but honestly, I am not sure how much that helps. It sounds good but there has definitely been more pain these last two days than I imagined. “Stay ahead of the pain” does not seem to mean you will be pain free if you take your meds.
The pain of having bad knees prepared me well for this pain though 👍🏼plus, this pain will go away.

The pain of stretching is also substantial but it is satisfying to see my leg develop more range both ways.

I was sent home with a CPM machine and the first full day I was able to go 0-80 degree bends. The slow motion movement is relaxing actually.
I have spent the last 2 years increasing my range so this amount of flex may not be normal.

I am a 62 year old guy and am looking forward to pain free walking soon!

[barbaralee]

I am 24 hrs post op bilateral partial replacement. I am almost 64 years old, but very active. I didn’t stay overnight because of Covid. I also think you are much more active in your own home. it has been rough, but I’m up and walking every hour and because of your videos, I am taking my pain meds regularly. This particular video made me feel better about my “concrete” right leg! I start pt next week, but am doing some exercises now and and adding your recommendations. Thanks so much, keep these videos coming!! They are very uplifting!

[robnixon]

I am 13 mths after double knee replacement, I did all the therapy & pool .got a bit slack afterwards & found weakness started in my hips, but I'm into restoring cars so I started working on & under them.
Push yourself as I have & now I can even get on my knees to work.
Thanks Dr Macdessi, very happy
NSW Australia 😊

[pamelabewley]

You two are so wonderful! Had double tkr and followed my docs and your advice and got through just fine! Really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to inform all of us! Thanks guys!

[toptiger]

I had my left knee replaced 9 days ago, (Jan 12, 2024), and learned a convenient time and method to do my knee flexion exercises. I do it as I'm showering. I wrap my knee in cellophane, then sit in a shower chair facing away from the shower head with toes touching the opposite wall. I scoot the chair forward until I get the desired stretch, stopping short of "agony." By the time I've shampooed, lathered and rinsed, the pain has typically waned, and then I'll scoot the chair forward an inch or two more while I relax with a final warm water rinse. It's a two-fer. I'm working my knee and smelling good when I'm done.

[bryantrimm]

Thanks for preparing us so that we have the best chance for a positive outcome. Your videos are informative with straightforward insights to maximize the healing process.

[ncholloway]

My TKR is in 13 days. I don’t see my surgeon again prior. Your videos fell out of the sky onto my iPad. What a blessing! I’ve written all of the exercises and will begin tomorrow. Because of the problems walking, I have several tools at home: canes, crutches, wheel chair, walkers. My surgeon says that having neuropathy, my recovery may take longer. I will do all I can to prove him wrong! Thank you so much for your insights. ❤

[Mike_MTB_XC]

I had knee replacement 5 weeks ago today. Your videos have been very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[JimAllen-Persona]

My wife is 3 weeks post-op TKR. Had surgeon follow up last week and started outpatient PT after 6 visits of in-home PT. Observations:
1. If you’re on the shorter side, you may not need the toilet seat booster.
2. My wife bought the commode as the hospital recommended and never needed it.
3. Why no mention of a cryo-cuff/aircast that automatically fills with cold water and cycles through pressure and no-pressure?
4. My wife is doing standing raises.. just elevating her body as if she’s in heels 10x.
5. What’s killing her now is the leg lifts laying down. She’s heating the muscles.. she doesn’t need to ice the knees at this moment.
6. She’s mobile at the moment.. going out in short bursts. At first she used the walker but now she’s ok on the cane. She is tired a lot though.. PT wipes her out.
7. Get moving. Little bits are ok but you should be seeing progress.