Knee replacement recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery from knee replacement surgery happens in stages over several months, and recovery times vary based on factors like age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation. Your recovery also depends on the surgical technique used. For example, partial knee replacement recovery time may be shorter than total knee replacement.  

• Many people go home the day of or the day after surgery and may use a walker or crutches for a few weeks. 
• Around two to four weeks, people typically reduce or stop taking pain medication and notice significant improvements, and many are cleared to drive. 
• Between four to six weeks, most people transition to walking without assistive devices and resume most daily activities. 
• By six weeks to three months, most people return to light exercise and low-impact activities, with strength and mobility continuing to improve. 
• Between three to 12 months, people typically return to more vigorous activities. Full strength and mobility may take up to a year. 

To be proactive and feel more confident in your recovery, there are steps you can take to prepare for knee replacement. You can depend on your Penn Medicine care team to guide you throughout the process.  

The length of your stay in the hospital following knee replacement depends on many factors that your surgeon will discuss with you. Many patients can expect to spend one night in the hospital before being discharged the day after surgery. Or your surgeon may give you the option to be discharged on the same day as surgery. To be eligible for same-day knee replacement, you need to be in relatively good health and highly motivated to achieve a rapid recovery, with a dependable support system to assist in your recovery at home. 

On the day you’re discharged, we will prepare you with all the information you’ll need during recovery, including:    

• Incision care  
• Medications  
• Required follow-up visits  
• Restrictions (such as no driving, working, or showering for a set period)  

In most cases, the hospital coordinator will arrange for you to have physical and/or occupational therapy at your house or an outpatient facility, beginning the day after you leave the hospital. If we determine that an inpatient rehabilitation center would work best for your recovery, one of our social workers can help you navigate the insurance coverage process.  

After your knee replacement, we’ll get you started on a comprehensive rehabilitation plan designed just for you. The goals are to make recovery easier and quicker and to improve your quality of life and long-term mobility. 

One of the best ways to make the most of your new knee is by incorporating home exercises into your daily routine. Once your care team gives you clearance, reserve time each day for exercises designed to build strength in the muscles surrounding your knee joints and increase your range of motion. Penn Medicine has prepared guides you may find helpful, but always follow the instructions of your doctor and physical therapist.