Total Knee Replacement Recovery: A Week-by-Week Guide

Wondering “What will recovery after total knee replacement really look like?”
This week-by-week guide outlines typical milestones for patients recovering under expert orthopaedic care. While individual timelines vary, following your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s advice ensures the safest and best outcome.

Week 0–1: Early Healing

Goals: Pain management, swelling control, and safe bed-to-chair transfers.
Exercises: Ankle pumps, quad sets, gentle heel slides, and short supported walks (using a walker or crutches).
Target Bend: Achieve 0–90° knee flexion or more by the end of week 1.

💡 Tip: Ice packs and elevation are essential for reducing swelling and improving early motion.

Week 2–3: Regaining Mobility

Goals: Normalize walking pattern (gait), increase knee bending, and build confidence with stairs.
Add: Straight-leg raises, mini-squats to a chair, and gentle cycling (as advised by your physiotherapist).
Target Bend: Aim for 100°–110° of flexion.

Many patients in Mumbai under Dr. Kale’s physiotherapy program are able to resume desk work or light daily activities by the end of week 3.

Week 4–6: Building Strength & Balance

Goals: Improve endurance, stability, and confidence outdoors.
Add: Step-ups, resistance band strengthening, and progressive outdoor walking sessions.
Target Bend: 110°–120°, with smoother, less painful movement.

At this stage, many patients begin to walk without support indoors and start returning to social activities.

Week 7–12: Functional Recovery

Goals: Confident community walking, stronger muscles, and safe return to low-impact activities.
Add: Longer outdoor walks, light recreational activities (e.g., swimming, stationary cycling, yoga modifications).
Outcome: Most patients feel their “new knee” is strong enough for everyday independence.

Why Recovery Support Matters

Successful recovery is not just about the surgery—it’s about guided rehabilitation. Dr. Abhijit Kale and his team emphasize structured physiotherapy, swelling control, and personalized home exercise programs to ensure each patient achieves long-term mobility and implant longevity.

👉 See our Physiotherapy and Home Exercises resources, or contact us to create your personalized recovery plan.

FAQs

When can I drive again after knee replacement?

For left knee (automatic cars): usually 2–4 weeks.
For right knee: 4–6 weeks, once safe reflexes and muscle control return. Always confirm with your surgeon before resuming driving.

What if my knee bend is behind schedule?
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on gentle, frequent exercises and controlling swelling rather than forcing range of motion. Consistency leads to better long-term flexibility.

When can I return to work?

Desk jobs: often by 3–4 weeks.
Active jobs: may require 8–12 weeks depending on physical demands.

Is knee replacement recovery painful?
Some discomfort is expected, but effective pain management strategies—including medications, icing, and physiotherapy—make recovery smoother. Most patients report significant improvement compared to pre-surgery pain by 6–8 weeks.

Takeaway: A structured, week-by-week recovery plan ensures safe progress after knee replacement. With Dr. Abhijit Kale, leading orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, patients benefit from advanced surgery and personalized rehabilitation that help them return to a pain-free, active life.