Rehabilitation after knee surgery depends on the exact procedure and the surgeon’s precautions. The general goals often include controlling swelling, restoring appropriate knee movement, rebuilding muscle capacity and progressing walking and daily tasks safely.
Key points
- Follow procedure-specific weight-bearing and range-of-motion restrictions.
- Restore knee extension and other movement targets at the pace advised for the surgery.
- Rebuild quadriceps and lower-limb strength progressively.
- Progress from basic function to work or sport tasks only when criteria are met.
What a physiotherapy assessment can add
The physiotherapist should know the operation performed, post-operative instructions and any restrictions. Progress is then judged from wound status, swelling, range, strength and function.
Practical next steps
Bring your surgical report or rehabilitation protocol when available. Report changes between sessions so loading can be adjusted rather than following a rigid template.
When to seek medical care
Urgent medical review may be needed for fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, calf swelling with concerning symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden major deterioration.
