It may come as a surprise to you that total knee replacement patients are encouraged to get up and start moving around as soon as possible after surgery—sometimes even the day of surgery.

When you are medically stable, the physical therapist will recommend certain exercises for the affected knee. Physical therapy is a key part of recovery. The more quickly a joint replacement patient gets moving again, it is likely the more quickly he or she will progress. To ease the discomfort the activity will initially cause, pain medication is recommended prior to therapy. In addition, the physical therapist will discuss longer-term rehabilitation plans.

Some of the rehabilitation exercises that will be prescribed for you include:

Knee Flexion, Sitting (10 reps)
While sitting in a chair, slowly slide your foot back, flexing your knee. Use your other foot to assist if necessary, as tightness increases, hold for 5 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Quad Set, Sitting (10 reps)
Sit in a chair. Put your leg out in front of you with knee straight. While keeping your knee straight, tighten your thigh muscle by pushing the back of your knee toward the floor. Hold for the count of 5. Relax and repeat 10 times.

An occupational therapist will provide instruction on how to use certain devices that assist in performing daily activities, such as putting on socks, reaching for household items, and bathing. A case manager will discuss plans for your return home and will ensure that you have all the necessary help to support a successful recovery. Before being sent home, some patients will go to the hospital’s transitional care unit—a facility designed to help patients transition from hospital to home as safely and comfortably as possible.