Rehabilitation after knee surgery

Priorities in the first few days

The care team explains how much weight you may place on the leg, whether you need crutches, how to care for the wound and which exercises to begin. Early aims usually include managing pain and swelling, preventing complications, gradually restoring knee extension and reactivating the thigh muscles.

Cold may be used with a protective layer for the recommended time, and elevating the leg may reduce swelling. Take medicines only as prescribed or advised.

Progress according to clear criteria

Progress depends on healing, swelling, movement quality and strength, not only on the number of weeks. An exercise that is helpful after one operation may be unsuitable after another, so check the protocol before adding movement or load.

• Walk with the permitted weight and suitable aids
• Restore movement without stressing the wound or exceeding restrictions
• Reactivate the quadriceps and strengthen the hip and leg
• Work on balance and knee control
• Prepare for daily tasks, then work and sport

The physiotherapist’s role

The physiotherapist measures progress, corrects walking and adapts exercises. They also help dose effort: a mild response can be normal, but a lasting rise in pain or swelling may mean the load increased too quickly.

Driving, work and sport depend on the operation, the leg involved, medicines and your ability to react safely. Follow the surgeon’s guidance.

When to contact the care team promptly

The last symptoms may indicate an urgent complication. Follow the discharge instructions and contact emergency services when necessary.

• Fever, chills or feeling unwell
• Increasing redness, heat or swelling around the knee
• Unusual or unpleasant-smelling wound discharge
• Pain that becomes clearly worse rather than improving
• Calf pain or swelling, shortness of breath or chest pain