Post-Operative Physiotherapy · Knee
Restore your movement after knee surgery.
Specialist post-operative physiotherapy at home in London, helping you regain knee movement, rebuild strength and develop confidence with walking and everyday activities — always guided by your surgeon's instructions and protocol.
Procedures Covered
Rehabilitation after knee surgery
Every operation, surgeon and protocol differs. Your programme follows your surgeon's instructions, weight-bearing guidance and precautions.
01 · Joint Replacement
Total and partial knee replacement
02 · Ligament Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction
03 · Meniscus
Meniscal surgery
04 · Ligament & Fracture Fixation
Patellar or other ligament reconstruction, knee fracture fixation and other knee operations
RECOVERY CHALLENGES
Common Difficulties
After knee surgery, it is common to find some everyday movements harder than expected. Each difficulty is assessed at home and addressed in line with your surgeon's instructions, your procedure-specific protocol and any restrictions.
- Swelling and discomfort around the knee
- Difficulty straightening the knee (extension)
- Difficulty bending the knee (flexion)
- Reduced quadriceps activation
- Difficulty with straight-leg lifting
- Walking and changes to gait
- Getting up from and sitting into chairs
- Managing stairs
- Reduced standing tolerance
- Lower confidence with everyday activities
Every operation and recovery differs. If you notice signs of possible infection, a blood clot or any serious new post-operative problem, seek urgent review from your surgical team or a medical professional.
STAGED REHABILITATION
A considered path back to confident movement
Knee rehabilitation progresses by readiness, not by the calendar. Each stage follows your surgeon's instructions, your procedure-specific protocol and any restrictions after your operation. Surgery and recovery differ for every patient, so no fixed timeline applies to everyone.
01 — Settle & activate
Swelling and discomfort management, early knee extension, quadriceps activation, straight-leg lifting where appropriate, and safe walking and chair transfers within your restrictions.
02 — Restore movement
Progressive knee extension and flexion, continued quadriceps work and a refined walking pattern, advanced in line with your surgeon's guidance and protocol.
03 — Build strength & balance
Progressive strengthening, balance and single-leg control, stairs practice, standing tolerance and reducing walking aids when appropriate.
04 — Return to life
Functional training for everyday activities, longer walks and outdoor surfaces, progressed only when you and your clinical team agree you are ready.
Physiotherapy at home
Individualised care, in familiar surroundings
Procedure-specific rehabilitation delivered at home, helping you manage swelling, regain extension and flexion, and practise the transfers, walking and stairs you use every day.
After knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscal surgery or other knee procedures, we work on swelling, range of movement and quadriceps strength, then progress to rising from a chair, managing stairs and walking further with confidence.
Every programme follows your surgeon's instructions, procedure-specific protocol and any restrictions, progressing only when you are ready.
KNEE REHABILITATION · FAQ
Questions about recovery after knee surgery
Every operation, surgeon's protocol and recovery is different. These answers are general guidance only — your physiotherapy always follows your surgeon's instructions, restrictions and precautions.
Why have rehabilitation at home?
Practising stairs, chairs and walking in your own surroundings keeps rehabilitation relevant to daily life, without travelling while mobility is limited.
How long will I need physiotherapy?
There is no fixed timeline. Duration depends on your operation, protocol, progress and goals, and is reviewed together as your rehabilitation develops.
If you notice signs of possible infection, a suspected blood clot or any serious new problem after surgery, seek urgent review from your surgical team or medical services.
When should physiotherapy start after knee surgery?
Often soon after discharge, but timing depends on your procedure and your surgeon's guidance. We begin once your surgical team confirms it is appropriate.
Why does getting my knee straight matter?
Full extension supports a more natural walking pattern and comfortable standing. We work on it gently and consistently, within your surgeon's protocol.
How will my knee bend improve?
Flexion returns progressively and at different rates. Some procedures, such as meniscal repair, have range limits set by your surgeon that we respect.
Why is it hard to lift my leg or tighten my thigh?
Swelling and pain can reduce quadriceps activation after surgery. Targeted exercises help re-establish control so straight-leg lifting and walking feel more secure.
Is swelling normal?
Some swelling is common and can persist for a while. We guide you on managing it alongside activity, and advise contacting your surgical team about sudden or concerning changes.
When will I walk without aids?
This varies with your procedure, weight-bearing restrictions, strength and confidence. We progress your walking and gait step by step, following your surgeon's advice.