Physiotherapy and rehabilitation in East Melbourne

Knee replacement rehabilitation

SOS Clinic provides physiotherapy after knee replacement in East Melbourne. Rehab starts with walking and bending the knee. Thigh strength and balance come next, and everyday activity is added back bit by bit, guided by your surgeon’s instructions and your progress.

Book an appointment

Call (03) 9928 6161

What does physiotherapy after knee replacement involve?

Your first assessment reviews your operation, discharge instructions, current walking aids and goals. Your physiotherapist checks swelling, knee bending and straightening, muscle control and practical tasks such as getting up from a chair. Your home exercises and walking plan are then adjusted to your needs.

Rehabilitation commonly includes movement exercises, progressive strengthening, walking practice and balance training. Regular practice matters, but the amount of exercise should match your symptoms and stage of recovery.

Why does my quadriceps feel weak?

The quadriceps muscles straighten the knee and help you stand, climb stairs and control your leg. Weakness after surgery can reflect pre-existing loss of strength, reduced activity and difficulty activating the muscles while the knee is painful or swollen. Your physiotherapist assesses the cause and progresses strengthening as tolerated.

A quadriceps-sparing surgical approach still requires rehabilitation. Learn about quadriceps-sparing subvastus knee replacement on Professor Tran’s website.

How long does knee replacement rehabilitation take?

Recovery develops over months and varies between people. The early priorities are safe mobility and a manageable home program. Later sessions build strength and endurance for stairs, longer walks and your chosen activities. Your physiotherapist reviews progress and discusses any unexpected loss of movement or function with the surgical team.

When can I stop using a walking aid?

Reduce support when your treating team is satisfied that you can walk safely with good control. Pain relief alone does not show that you are ready. A walking aid may still be helpful outdoors or over longer distances while strength and balance recover.

How much bending should I have?

Your physiotherapist measures both bending and straightening and considers the movement you had before surgery. Goals are individual. Do not force the knee to reach an internet target; discuss stiffness, increasing pain or progress that has stalled with your treating team.

How do you measure progress?

Progress can be tracked through knee movement, walking and chair-rise tasks, strength and your ability to manage daily life. A Biomechanical Profile Assessment can add objective strength and movement measurements when appropriate. Testing is adapted to your comfort and surgical precautions.

When can I return to driving, cycling, golf or the gym?

Discuss each activity with your surgeon and physiotherapist. Driving requires safe vehicle control and an emergency stop, without impairing medication. Exercise returns gradually as movement, strength and tolerance improve. Your operation, general health and previous activity level all affect the plan.

Care before and after your operation

The SOS physiotherapy team works alongside Professor Phong Tran. See prehab before surgery, knee physiotherapy and rehabilitation after surgery.

When should I seek medical help?

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing wound redness or discharge, fever, new calf pain or swelling, or a sudden deterioration in your recovery. Call 000 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or collapse.

Arrange physiotherapy at SOS Clinic

Visit Specialist Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic at St Francis Building, Ground Floor, 166 Gipps Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002. Bring your operation report or discharge instructions and any relevant scans to your first appointment.

Book an appointment or call (03) 9928 6161.

This information is general. Follow the advice and precautions provided by your own surgeon and physiotherapist.