Post-total knee replacement (TKR) rehabilitation in Canberra.
Structured exercise physiology following total knee replacement (TKR). Progressive rehabilitation aligned with your surgeon's protocol, from early range of motion and swelling management through to full return to activity and independence.
- Post-TKR strength and ROM
- Gait retraining and balance
- Return to activity goals
- NDIS, DVA, Medicare & private
What TKR rehabilitation looks like.
Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in Australia, with excellent long-term outcomes when followed by appropriate rehabilitation. The surgery replaces the damaged joint surfaces, but the muscles, balance, and movement patterns that support the new joint still need to be rebuilt.
Early phase (weeks 1–6)
- Swelling management
- Restore range of motion
- Quadriceps activation and initial strengthening
- Gait retraining, walking pattern normalisation
- Stair climbing with confidence
Later phase (weeks 6–24+)
- Progressive resistance training
- Balance and proprioception
- Functional movements, sit to stand, stairs, slopes
- Return to specific activities (gardening, swimming, social sport)
- Long-term maintenance program
James coordinates with your surgeon and liaises with your GP on progress. Sessions can start as soon as you're cleared for outpatient rehabilitation, typically 2–4 weeks post-surgery.
What the evidence says.
Quadriceps strength after a total knee replacement commonly remains twenty to thirty percent below the other side years later in people who stopped rehab once walking felt acceptable, and that residual weakness is what keeps stairs hard, kneeling scary and confidence low. The research case is clear: outcomes track the strengthening done in the months after surgery. Early range work protects the joint's motion window, and progressive resistance training afterwards is what converts a successful operation into a knee you trust.
How I treat it.
Early phase: range of motion, swelling control and walking quality, hitting the flexion and extension milestones your surgeon wants on schedule, because motion not gained early is hard to reclaim late. Middle phase: serious progressive strengthening of the quads, glutes and calves, well past the point most people stop. Final phase: stairs, slopes, floor transfers, and whatever your version of full life is, bowls, travel, the gym, chasing grandkids.
I report progress back to your surgeon at review points, and hands on work keeps the healing knee's soft tissue moving.
What we aim for.
- Range milestones met on the surgical timeline
- Quads strength genuinely restored, not left 25 percent short
- Stairs, kneeling and uneven ground without hesitation
- A knee you forget about, which is the whole point
Frequently asked
Related pages
Recent literature behind this program.
A selection of the research and clinical guidelines that inform how this condition is managed at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (NG157). NICE Guideline 2020.
- Skou ST, Roos EM, Laursen MB, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of total knee replacement. New England Journal of Medicine 2015;373:1597–1606.
Evidence summaries are provided for information only and are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.
Book your appointment.
Same-week availability for NDIS, DVA, CDM, CTP and private clients.
Prefer to call? 0418 153 608 · or email admin@fwphysiology.com