Knee joint replacement: physical therapy before surgery and rehabilitation after, per MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus says that before knee replacement, “You may want to visit a physical therapist to learn some exercises to do before surgery,” and that some people need a short stay in a rehabilitation center before going home. This page quotes MedlinePlus only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’s Knee joint replacement article (review date 8/27/2024).
Before surgery
MedlinePlus states: “You may want to visit a physical therapist to learn some exercises to do before surgery.” It also lists practicing with a cane, walker, crutches, or a wheelchair (paraphrased).
After surgery
MedlinePlus states: “You will be asked to start moving and walking as soon as the day of surgery.” And: “Some people need a short stay in a rehabilitation center after they leave the hospital and before they go home. At a rehabilitation center, you will learn how to safely do your daily activities on your own.”
On results: “The operation relieves pain for most people. Most people do not need help walking after they fully recover.”
Rehab settings are described on working in inpatient rehab, and Medicare rehab facility rules on Medicare inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
What this page does not do
It does not repeat MedlinePlus’s hospital-stay or recovery time ranges, or its surgery details. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.