The first six weeks after knee replacement surgery often feel uncertain. Swelling, pain and restrictive movement is common, it can be difficult to know what is normal and what is not.
While recovery timelines vary, the early weeks are important. Certain aspects of movement and muscle function need to be recovered during this period, and early guidance can help prevent longer-term pain and movement limitations.
Swelling Control after Knee Replacement
Swelling is expected after surgery. However, persistent swelling can restrict movement and inhibit muscle activation, particularly in the quadriceps muscles.
Managing swelling effectively supports:
- Improved knee flexion and extension.
- More comfortable sleeping and pain management.
- Better muscle activation.
- Easier and more functional walking mechanics.
This is one reason the use of ice and structured early movement programs are extremely helpful.
Regaining Knee Extension
Full extension (straightening the knee) is often more important than flexion early on. The scar will limit flexion movements in the first few weeks and it is important to allow the scar to heal fully before pushing flexion movements.
Limited extension of the knee can affect:
- Walking ability.
- Quadriceps activation.
- Long-term gait mechanics.
Ensuring you get full extension early is essential to getting a great outcome for your new knee, and makes later strength work more effective.
Muscle Activation
After surgery, the quadriceps muscles, on the front of the leg, may not “switch on” properly. This is known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition and is common following knee surgery. Without targeted work, strength can lag behind healing.
In addition the area around the knee can become hypersensitive, making it very hard to wear trousers or touch the area, this can make it harder to strengthen the muscles.
If you are within the first six weeks of knee replacement surgery and feel unsure about your progress, our Post-Knee Replacement Recovery Programme in Kenilworth provides structured early support tailored to how your knee is responding.