Knee Replacement

What is Total Knee Replacement?

The knee joint is formed by three main bones:

• Thigh bone (femur)
• Shin bone (tibia)
• Kneecap (patella)

The ends of these bones are normally covered with smooth cartilage, which allows the knee joint to move freely without friction.

When cartilage becomes damaged due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, injury, or degenerative disease, the joint surfaces become rough and painful. This leads to stiffness, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking.

A total knee replacement involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing them with artificial components designed to replicate the natural movement of the knee joint.

Causes

Total knee replacement surgery is usually recommended when knee joint damage becomes severe and conservative treatments no longer provide relief.

Common causes include:

• Severe osteoarthritis of the knee
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis after knee injury
• Severe knee deformity
• Degenerative joint disease
• Chronic knee pain and stiffness affecting daily life

When these conditions significantly limit mobility and quality of life, surgery may be recommended.

Symptoms

Patients who require total knee replacement often experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent knee pain
• Stiffness in the knee joint
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Swelling around the knee
• Reduced mobility
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
• Knee instability

These symptoms often worsen over time as the joint degeneration progresses.

What Should I Do?

If you experience severe knee pain or reduced mobility, you should consult a healthcare professional for assessment.

Early management may include:

• Physiotherapy treatment
• Pain management strategies
• Activity modification
• Strengthening exercises
• Weight management

If conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, total knee replacement surgery may be recommended.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy is essential both before and after total knee replacement surgery to improve recovery outcomes.

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapy programmes are tailored to support each stage of recovery.

Physiotherapy Before Knee Replacement (Prehabilitation)

Before surgery, physiotherapy helps prepare the body for the procedure and can improve post-surgical recovery.

Pre-surgery physiotherapy focuses on:

• Strengthening muscles around the knee
• Improving range of motion
• Strengthening the hip and ankle muscles
• Preparing the body for rehabilitation

Stronger muscles and better joint mobility before surgery can help speed up recovery afterward.

Early Stage Rehabilitation (1–3 Weeks)

During the early stage after surgery, physiotherapy focuses on reducing swelling and restoring basic movement.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle knee range of motion exercises
• Static quadriceps and hamstring strengthening
• Ankle pumps to improve circulation
• Hip and glute strengthening exercises
• Walking with crutches or a walking frame
• Gait training for safe mobility

These exercises help restore knee movement and prevent complications.

Middle Stage Rehabilitation (3–6 Weeks)

As recovery progresses, physiotherapy focuses on improving knee strength and function.

Treatment may include:

• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Balance and proprioception training
• Stationary cycling
• Functional exercises such as stair climbing
• Stretching to improve knee flexibility
• Gait retraining to improve walking patterns

This stage helps patients regain independence in daily activities.

Advanced Rehabilitation (6–12 Weeks)

During the later stages of recovery, physiotherapy focuses on restoring full function and mobility.

Exercises may include:

• Advanced lower limb strengthening
• Full range of motion exercises
• Balance and coordination training
• Low-impact cardiovascular exercises
• Functional training for daily activities
• Sport or hobby-specific exercises

These exercises help patients return to normal physical activities safely.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

After knee replacement surgery, avoid:

• High-impact activities such as running or jumping
• Ignoring pain or swelling
• Skipping physiotherapy sessions
• Twisting movements of the knee
• Returning to strenuous activities too soon

Following the recommended rehabilitation programme is essential for successful recovery.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Most patients experience significant improvements after total knee replacement surgery.

Benefits often include:

• Reduced knee pain
• Improved mobility and function
• Increased ability to perform daily activities
• Better quality of life

Most knee replacement implants last 10–15 years or longer, depending on activity level and joint care.

Physiotherapy helps ensure the artificial joint functions properly and supports long-term joint health.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we specialise in post-surgical physiotherapy rehabilitation and knee injury treatment.

Our clinic provides:

• Evidence-based physiotherapy programmes
• Personalised rehabilitation plans
• Strength and mobility training
• Gait re-education and balance training
• Long-term joint health guidance

Our goal is to help patients recover safely, regain mobility, and return to daily activities with confidence.

Book an Appointment

If you are preparing for or recovering from total knee replacement surgery, professional physiotherapy can help support your recovery.

ACE Physio Sports

Website: acephysiosport.com Phone: +65 81535374 Email: admin@acephysiosport.com

Contact us today to schedule your physiotherapy consultation.