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Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

Undergoing knee replacement surgery is a major step toward restoring mobility and improving your quality of life. However, recovery plays an equally important role in the success of your surgery.

Here’s a detailed week-by-week knee replacement recovery timeline to help you understand what to expect after surgery and how to speed up your rehabilitation process.

Table of Contents

Week 1: Hospital Stay and Early Recovery

After surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for 2–4 days. During this time:

  • Your medical team monitors your vital signs and pain control.
  • Physiotherapists help you begin gentle movements and basic walking with a walker.
  • Blood flow exercises and early mobilization prevent stiffness and blood clots.

By the end of the first week, most patients can bend their knee 60–90 degrees and take a few steps with assistance.

Weeks 2–3: Building Strength at Home

Once you return home, daily physiotherapy becomes crucial. You’ll perform light exercises to:

  • Strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings
  • Improve balance and range of motion
  • Reduce swelling using ice and elevation

Patients are usually able to move short distances indoors without much discomfort.

👉 Learn more about Knee Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation techniques recommended by our experts.

Weeks 4–6: Regaining Independence

By this stage, you’ll notice significant improvement in mobility and reduced pain. You may start:

  • Walking longer distances with or without aids
  • Climbing stairs more confidently
  • Returning to light household activities

Your surgeon will assess your progress and may adjust your physiotherapy plan to increase flexibility and muscle control.

For patients who underwent partial knee replacement, recovery may be even faster.

Learn more about:

Weeks 7–12: Returning to Normal Activities

You’ll likely resume most daily activities, including driving and light work.
At this stage, the focus is on:

  • Improving endurance and stability
  • Continuing physiotherapy to restore full strength
  • Avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping

By week 12, most patients experience up to 80–90% pain reduction and can perform low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling.

Months 3–6: Full Recovery Phase

Between the third and sixth month, the majority of patients regain full knee function.
Your knee will feel stronger, more stable, and natural. You may:

  • Walk without support
  • Enjoy pain-free sleep
  • Participate in moderate exercise and recreational activities

Your orthopaedic specialist will conduct follow-up assessments to ensure the implant is properly aligned and stable.

Long-Term Recovery and Care

Although recovery time varies, the success rate of knee replacement surgery in Malaysia exceeds 90% when patients follow their rehabilitation plans.
The artificial knee joint can last 15–20 years with proper care and activity modification.

To maintain results:

  • Keep your weight within a healthy range
  • Continue low-impact exercise
  • Attend annual check-ups with your orthopaedic surgeon

Dr Sashi Darshan

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Expert Knee Recovery Care in Malaysia

At OrthopedicSpecialist.com.my, we provide personalized post-surgery rehabilitation and physiotherapy guidance.
Our team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Malaysia ensures every patient receives a structured recovery plan for safe and lasting results.

Book a consultation today to discuss your knee replacement recovery goals and get expert guidance every step of the way.