What to Expect From Physiotherapy After a Knee Replacement
30 June 2026, 6 min read
Knee replacement surgery addresses the joint itself. Physiotherapy is what determines how well that new joint actually functions in daily life, and recovery generally happens in overlapping phases rather than a fixed timeline.
In the first couple of weeks, the priority is gentle range-of-motion work and reducing swelling, closely guided by your surgeon's protocol. Pushing too hard too soon can slow healing rather than speed it up.
From there, strengthening becomes the focus, particularly the muscles around the knee that support the joint during walking, stairs and getting up from a chair.
By the later stages, physiotherapy shifts toward function: walking longer distances confidently, managing stairs, and rebuilding the balance and coordination needed for daily independence.
Every recovery timeline looks a little different depending on age, activity level and overall health, which is why post-surgical rehab plans are built individually, in coordination with your surgeon's guidance.
