Rehabilitation Plan After Total Knee Replacement

The main goal of the rehabilitation for a patient/client with a total knee replacement is to reduce knee pain and increase knee function leading to improving the quality of life. The client can’t gain full range of movement at the knee following total knee replacement. They may require the use of walking aids to regain normal walking pattern for 1-3 weeks. The full details of a general rehabilitation program for a total knee replacement patient are provided below.

List of therapy session activities

1. Heel raises/ Heel Lifts: Standing holding something stable. Lift your left/ right heel towards your bottom.

Repeat 10 times for each leg.

2. Extension and curl equipment: Straightening and bending right and left legs using a maximum of 1 kg weight

2×10 @ 1 kg resistance

3. Abduction and adduction equipment: Abduction and adduction of right and left legs.

2×10 @ 1 kg resistance

4. Leg press equipment: Straightening and bending of right and left legs using this with a maximum of 1 kg weight

2×10 @ 1 kg resistance

5. Hamstring curls: Stand with both hands resting on a sturdy surface like a table or chair. Lift one heel off the floor and move it toward your butt. Squeeze the muscles in the back of your leg while you hold this position. Lower your foot back to the floor.

Hold 15 secs, and Repeat 5 times for each leg.

6. One leg balancing/ balance board

Lift your left leg off the floor and bend it back at the knee. If this is too difficult at first, you can stand on one leg while holding onto a stable object, such as a piece of heavy furniture or a table. Hold the position as long as you can keep good form.

Hold 30 seconds for each leg.

7. Resistance band exercise: Sit on the chair and use resistance band to lift right and left legs up and down

Repeat 10 times for each leg.

8. Walking up and down the room unaided if able/safe

10 minutes