Your Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

Knee damage can take a lot away from you, and a knee replacement procedure has the power to give back things like pain-free movement, joint mobility, and normal activity levels. But this procedure does require a recovery process, and it’s important for you to have a full understanding of what knee replacement recovery will feel like prior to making your decision. 

Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Cookeville, Tennessee, can rely on Robert J. Otto, MD, for straightforward, no-nonsense guidance and advice on all aspects of joint repair, including a full knee replacement. Let’s take a look at what your recovery timeline might look like. 

A general overview of your timeline

We’ll begin with some generalities. Most people enter physical therapy after their knee replacement. Your therapist will have you performing basic movements and exercises within a few days of your procedure, and the exercises will increase in intensity and duration as you move forward. 

You can expect to return to some activities in around three weeks and most activities at around the six-month mark. But it takes a full year or longer for your repaired joint to fully heal, so patience is definitely part of the process. 

You’ll have some restrictions as you move through your recovery. You won’t be able to kneel for some time, and you might need to change some of your routines if your work or preferred activities place undue strain on your knee joints. 

Periodic check-ups with Dr. Otto ensure that you’re healing properly and moving through your recovery process in a timely manner. These visits are also an opportunity for you to ask questions or express concerns as they arise. 

Things that will shape your recovery

While it’s possible to give an overview of what to expect during recovery from a knee replacement, everyone has a unique experience. One of the most important factors in how you’ll recover is the type of knee replacement you have. 

A partial knee replacement is usually less involved than a full knee replacement, and your recovery might be simpler if fewer joint components needed to be altered or replaced.

Your overall health is also a big part of what shapes your recovery timeline. People who go into surgery with good overall health usually have an easier recovery time than those who begin the process with one or more chronic health conditions or who are overweight or obese. 

Smoking is also a factor that can significantly interfere with your body’s ability to heal. Smoking robs your body of proper circulation, which is a critical component of healing. 

And finally, adhering to Dr. Otto’s post-surgical care instructions is one of the best ways to move through your recovery process with ease. 

Don’t push beyond your body’s limits. Attend all scheduled post-op visits. Take any prescribed medication as ordered. And don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you feel that something just isn’t right as you recover. 

Dr. Otto is happy to meet with you to discuss your unique knee replacement needs in more detail. Reach out to our team to schedule a visit at our office location most convenient for you. You can call or request an appointment using our simple online booking tool.