Knee Replacement (TKR) Recovery Timeline — Week-by-Week
A clear 12-week recovery roadmap after TKR — what to expect, when to push, and when to slow down. Based on 500+ home rehab cases in Tricity.
Week 1–2: The critical foundation
Focus is swelling control, straight-leg raises and gentle knee bends up to 70–90°. Ice every 2 hours. Ankle pumps every waking hour to prevent DVT.
A home physiotherapist visits daily or every alternate day to progress your range of motion safely without tearing new tissue.
Week 3–4: Walking without the walker
Most patients transition from walker to single stick around day 14–21. Knee bend goal: 100–110°. We add gentle strengthening — seated leg presses, wall squats to 30°.
Week 5–8: Getting your life back
Stairs, longer walks, driving (usually cleared by 6 weeks for the right knee). Full knee bend goal: 115–120°. Cycling on a stationary bike begins.
Week 9–12: Return to normal
Balance training, functional strengthening, and confidence for outdoor walking. Most patients return to golf, gardening and light travel by week 12.
Warning signs — call us immediately
Sudden calf swelling or pain (possible clot), fever above 100.4°F, wound redness spreading, or knee bend not improving past 90° after week 4. These need immediate attention.
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