Knee Replacement Recovery

When your knee replacement surgery is behind you, it’s time to shift your focus to the next phase: recovery. The length of your recovery will be determined both by the type of knee surgery and your commitment to physical therapy. The St. Elizabeth Total Joint Center is dedicated to helping you recover from surgery, regain your strength, and get back to your active lifestyle.

How Long Is Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery? 

Typically, patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are in the hospital for one to two nights before being discharged. Patients who undergo same day knee replacement surgery will be discharged for home the same day as their surgery, barring any complications. Your caregiver will be an important piece in your recovery as well, providing both physical and emotional support. 

Most patients will receive physical therapy within a day following knee replacement surgery. You will continue physical therapy for approximately 4-6 weeks on an outpatient basis. You will initially begin moving around using a walker and eventually transition to a cane. While you will have pain from the surgery, the knee pain you felt prior to surgery will be gone. Working on your exercises both at home and during your physical therapy will help to minimize your recovery time.

Partnership in Recovery 

St. Elizabeth has 13 outpatient rehabilitation offices in the greater Northern Kentucky area, giving our patients the flexibility to pick the most convenient location for physical therapy. 

During your knee replacement recovery, you will meet with dedicated physical therapists who will – quite literally – help you get back on your feet. With your physical therapist, you will focus on regaining strength and mobility in your knee to help you get back to your active lifestyle.