Blog Post

If chronic knee pain makes daily life difficult, you might be considering joint replacement surgery. At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we understand that knowing what to expect during recovery can ease your mind. Our experienced specialists, including Dr. Donald N. Hope, MD, Dr. R. Bradley Kessler, MD, Dr. Matthew A Napierala, MD, and Dr. John Chance, can guide patients through every step of this journey. We serve communities across Live Oak, TX, San Antonio, TX, Schertz, TX, and New Braunfels, TX.

Knee replacement is a highly effective way to restore your mobility. However, your recovery timeline is unique to your body. We tailor your rehabilitation plan to help you safely regain your strength.

How soon will I walk after surgery?

You will likely stand and take your first steps on the very day of your surgery. Modern pain management techniques make this early movement much easier. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons strongly recommends peripheral nerve blocks for total knee surgeries. These blocks help lower your pain and reduce your need for strong opioid medications.

At our offices, we focus on advanced pain control to get you moving quickly. Our physical therapists work with you right away to build confidence. Early movement helps prevent stiffness and keeps your blood flowing safely. 

What does the physical therapy timeline look like?

Your physical therapy begins immediately and intensifies over the first few weeks. Re-establishing your knee's flexibility is a time-sensitive process. In a study of US patients, 94.4% of those who attended physical therapy achieved a 90-degree knee bend. This early window is critical because flexibility gains typically peak around 12 weeks after surgery. 

To help you reach these milestones, we offer personalized physical therapy at our clinics. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends starting high-intensity strength training within seven days of surgery.

Our therapists design exercises to target your thigh muscles and restore your natural walking stride. We guide you through each session to ensure you do not overwork the joint.

Here is what you can expect to work on:

• Gentle bending and straightening exercises
• Safe weight-bearing practice with a walker or cane
• Targeted thigh muscle strengthening
• Gradual return to daily activities like climbing stairs 

How can I prepare for a successful recovery? 

Preparing for recovery starts well before you enter the operating room. Managing your overall health before surgery directly impacts how well your joint heals. For example, the AAOS also strongly recommends optimizing your blood sugar levels before surgery. Keeping glucose below 126 mg/dl helps reduce your risk of post-surgery complications.

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we look at your complete health profile. Dr. Chance and our team coordinate with your primary care doctor to prepare your body for surgery. We want to ensure you are in the best possible shape for a smooth recovery.

If you are struggling with severe knee pain, we are here to help you find relief. Our experienced orthopedic team will design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your lifestyle. To discuss your options for joint replacement, schedule a visit at one of our convenient Texas locations today.