Physiosolution Clinical Team · 2026-11-05 · 3 min read
The first two weeks
The priorities are simple: control swelling, get the knee straight and start it bending. Early exercises include ankle pumps for circulation, quadriceps sets, straight leg raises and heel slides.
Getting full straightening early is critical. Resting with a pillow under the knee feels comfortable but lets it stiffen in a bent position. Resting with the heel propped instead helps it straighten.
Most people walk with a walker or crutches at this stage, progressing as confidence and strength allow.
Weeks two to six
This is the most important window for range of motion. Scar tissue forms quickly, and if bending isn't pushed steadily now, it becomes much harder later. Many surgeons like to see around 90 degrees of bend by two weeks and progress towards 110 to 120 degrees.
Strengthening builds: short and long arc quads, sit to stand, mini squats and walking practice. Stairs are introduced, one step at a time. Many people move from a walker to a single stick.
Six weeks to three months
The focus shifts to strength, balance and normal walking. Step ups, balance work, cycling and longer walks are typical. Most people drive, return to office work and manage daily tasks by the end of this phase.
Three months onwards
Improvement continues for up to a year. Strength keeps building, walking distance increases and many people return to hobbies like walking tours, travel and golf.
Common mistakes
- Not straightening the knee fully early on
- Avoiding the discomfort of bending exercises, which leads to stiffness
- Doing too much on a good day, then paying for it for three days
- Stopping exercises once walking feels normal, before strength has fully returned
Where to do rehab
Many people do the early weeks at home, which removes the problem of travelling with a sore knee. Our guide to home physiotherapy after knee replacement explains how that works. Later stages can continue at home or in the clinic.
Managing swelling
Swelling is normal after knee replacement and can last for weeks or months. It makes the knee feel stiff and heavy and can limit bending. Managing it helps rehab progress.
Elevate the leg with the heel higher than the knee and the knee higher than the heart, for 20 to 30 minutes a few times a day. Use ice or cold packs, wrapped in a cloth, after exercise. Keep ankle pumps going regularly. Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods early on.
Swelling usually increases a bit after activity and settles overnight. Swelling that increases steadily, especially with redness, heat or calf pain, should be reported to the surgical team.
What to watch for
Contact your surgical team for increasing redness, discharge from the wound, fever, or calf pain and swelling. And let your physiotherapist know if bending stalls. Early action on stiffness makes a big difference.
The step-by-step exercise plan is also in our post knee replacement exercises guide.
Talk to a physiotherapist
Clinic in Indirapuram, home visits across Indirapuram, Vaishali, Vasundhara, Noida and Ghaziabad. Slots confirmed on call or WhatsApp.