What to expect: physiotherapy after knee replacement

Recovery after a knee replacement is rarely linear — here is a realistic picture of what the first few months look like.

Week 1–2: mobility basics

Early sessions focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises, safe transfers in and out of bed, and pain management — usually starting within 24–48 hours of surgery.

Week 3–6: building strength

As swelling reduces, physiotherapy shifts toward strengthening the muscles around the new joint and improving walking pattern, often progressing from a walker to a cane.

Week 6–12: returning to routine

Most patients can manage stairs and short outdoor walks by this stage, with physiotherapy sessions tapering to 2–3 times a week.

Why home sessions help

A physiotherapist who sees the actual home layout — stairs, bathroom fittings, furniture height — can adjust exercises and safety advice specifically for that environment, which is harder to replicate in a clinic setting.