After Knee Replacement: The First Month

You'll apply the same movement skills you learned in the hospital or rehab center to your exercise program at home. You may also continue meeting with your therapist. Following your exercise program brings big rewards. With your knee in shape, you'll walk more easily and return to an active life sooner.

Maintaining Your Exercise Program

Exercising is the only way to regain your strength and range of motion. With continued exercise, you may gain even more strength and range of motion than you had before surgery. That's because before surgery pain may have limited your movement. So make exercise part of your daily routine. Continue meeting with your physical therapist as directed. He or she may add riding a stationary bike or other new exercises to your program.

Hold your cane on the side of your unoperated leg. Move the cane as you step with your operated leg.

Walking in Stride

Walking helps build a more normal, comfortable stride. It also keeps you in shape and helps prevent blood clots. Begin by taking three or four short walks every day. Gradually increase how far, how long, and how many times a day you walk. After your walk, lie down, elevate your knee, and ice it to reduce swelling. Your doctor or physical therapist will instruct you when and where to use your walker, crutches, or cane. He or she will also let you know when you can stop using them.