Quick Summary
Prepare for surgery and rebuild everyday movement afterwards with rehabilitation coordinated around your hospital instructions, progress and personal goals. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding Knee Replacement Rehabilitation
Knee replacement rehabilitation supports recovery before and after partial or total knee replacement. The operation changes the joint surfaces, but muscles, balance and confidence still need time and practice. Your surgical team’s instructions take priority, especially if there are additional procedures or complications.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
Bring your discharge summary and exercise instructions. We review wound-related concerns, swelling, walking aids and the surgeon’s precautions, then agree practical goals. Unexpected deterioration prompts contact with your surgical team rather than more forceful treatment.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Before surgery: pain, weakness or difficulty with walking and stairs.
- After surgery: stiffness, swelling and reduced thigh strength that need monitoring.
- Difficulty with getting up from a chair, walking aids or longer distances.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why symptoms may develop
People usually consider replacement when substantial joint pain and limited function remain despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. Recovery varies with pre-operative function, health, operation type and complications. We do not promise a particular range of movement or date for full recovery.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle movement techniques may help stiffness when appropriate. Scar work is considered only once the wound has healed and the surgical team’s advice allows it. We avoid forceful treatment over a healing wound or an unexplained hot, swollen knee. We explain the purpose and check your comfort and response throughout treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a routine part of knee replacement rehabilitation. Recovery is led by the surgical plan, monitoring and progressive exercise. Your physiotherapist can explain the more suitable options and how their effect will be reviewed during your ongoing rehabilitation.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Before surgery, suitable strength and mobility work prepares you for daily tasks. Afterwards, exercise progresses knee bending and straightening, thigh strength, walking and stairs. We balance regular practice with recovery and review progress against your own function. Your home plan is adapted as your function and confidence improve.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Contact your surgical team, GP or NHS 111 urgently for fever, wound discharge, worsening redness or increasing pain and swelling.
- New calf pain, warmth or one-sided swelling needs urgent assessment for a blood clot.
- Call 999 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or collapse, whether or not the leg is swollen.
Your questions answered
Should I push hard through pain to bend my knee?
Some discomfort during recovery is expected, but severe or escalating pain is a reason to review the plan. Forceful stretching is not automatically better. Follow your agreed exercise advice.
Can you work alongside my NHS rehabilitation?
Yes. Bring the programme and surgical instructions so care is coordinated and restrictions are respected. We can help with the activities you still find difficult.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.