11/04/2025
When you’ve just had a total knee replacement, one of the first questions that comes to mind is:
💭 “When can I start rehab?”
It’s an important question — and the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Recovery after knee replacement isn’t based on a single timeline, but rather on how your body heals and how your care team safely guides that process.
In many cases, gentle movement begins soon after surgery — sometimes within the first couple of days. These early exercises might involve simple ankle pumps, light knee bends, or sitting upright with support. The goal isn’t to rush recovery, but to help maintain circulation and remind your muscles and joints what movement feels like again.
As healing progresses, physical therapy gradually shifts from reducing stiffness to improving strength, balance, and coordination. Each phase builds upon the last, with small but meaningful milestones — walking a few extra steps, bending the knee more comfortably, or standing with greater confidence.
There’s no universal pace for recovery, and that’s okay. What truly matters is consistent progress, guided by the right knowledge and professional support.
At Robust Physical Therapy, we believe education is a vital part of rehabilitation. When patients understand why movement matters and how the body responds to it, they’re more likely to move safely, confidently, and effectively — both in the clinic and at home.
Because recovery isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right for you.
It’s about moving smarter, not harder. 💪
