03/04/2026
If your knee feels unstable after knee replacement… it may not actually be your knee.
Most rehab focuses on bending the knee, but daily activities like standing up, climbing stairs, and walking rely heavily on hip strength and control.
If the hip isn’t doing its job, the knee ends up feeling unstable.
Here’s a simple 3-level progression I use with knee replacement patients:
Level 1 – Control (Early recovery)
Supported sit-to-stand focusing on even weight and pushing through the heels.
Level 2 – Load (Mid phase)
Staggered stance sit-to-stand so the surgical leg begins doing more of the work.
Level 3 – Stability (Later phase)
Elevated single-leg sit-to-stand to build true leg control.
Remember this:
Your hip controls your thigh.
Your thigh controls your knee.
Train the controller, not just the joint.
Follow for simple, proven tips to help you move better and feel stronger every day.
