Home Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement: Complete Guide

Setting up the home

Before discharge, a few changes help:

• a firm chair with armrests, high enough that the hips stay above the knees
• clear walkways without loose rugs
• a raised toilet seat or frame if the toilet is low
• a bed at a comfortable height for getting in and out
• a non-slip mat in the bathroom

A physiotherapist can check these on the first visit.

The first home visit

The first visit reviews the discharge instructions, checks the wound area and swelling, measures knee bend and straightening, assesses walking and sets the exercise plan. Getting in and out of bed, on and off the toilet and managing any steps are practised.

The daily exercise plan

Early exercises are done two to three times a day between visits:

• ankle pumps for circulation
• quadriceps sets
• straight leg raises
• heel slides for knee bend
• knee extension stretch with the heel propped

The full plan is set out in our post knee replacement exercises guide.

Progress over the weeks

Visits usually happen two to three times a week in the early phase. Each session pushes range of motion, builds strength and progresses walking: walker to crutches to a stick. Stairs, sit to stand and balance work come in as strength allows.

Knee bend is monitored closely. If it stalls, the physiotherapist adjusts the plan early, because stiffness becomes much harder to fix after a few weeks.

The family's role

Family members can help with exercises, encourage walking and watch for warning signs. Learning safe ways to assist makes a real difference.

Moving to the clinic

Once walking is comfortable and car travel isn't a problem, typically around four to six weeks, many people continue rehab at the clinic for more advanced strength work.

Pain relief and exercise timing

Pain is the main reason people skip knee replacement exercises, especially the bending ones. Timing pain relief well makes a real difference. Many patients find it helps to take prescribed pain relief about 30 to 45 minutes before their exercise session or physiotherapist's visit, so the medication is working when the knee is being pushed.

Ice after exercise helps control swelling and discomfort. Elevating the leg, with the heel supported and the knee straight, reduces swelling and helps the knee straighten at the same time.

Some discomfort during bending exercises is expected and acceptable. Sharp, severe pain, or pain that doesn't settle within an hour or two, is worth mentioning to your physiotherapist. Clear communication about pain helps them set the right intensity.

Warning signs

Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, wound discharge, fever, or calf pain and swelling.

For a broader view of recovery stages, read our complete knee replacement recovery guide.