Exercise Physiology for Total Knee Replacement (TKR): What You Need to Know

Movement matters — especially after a total knee replacement.

If you've had a total knee replacement (TKR), or one’s coming up, you've probably been told to "do your rehab" and "keep moving." But what does that actually look like in the real world?

For most people, the surgery is just one step. What comes after — rebuilding your strength, confidence, and independence — is where the real change happens. And that's where we come in.

At Adapt, we work with you to help bridge the gap between surgery and living life again. Whether you're two weeks post-op or 12 months down the track, our job is to make sure you’re not just healing — but actually progressing.

What does an Exercise Physiologist do after a knee replacement?

We're not here to give you cookie-cutter stretches and send you on your way. Exercise Physiology for total knee replacement means we guide your recovery with practical, science-backed movement strategies tailored to you — your body, your history, and your goals.

Whether your aim is to go on an overseas trip problem-free, climb stairs without thinking, return to walking the dog, or build the confidence to squat again, we’ll help you get there — one solid step at a time.

Here’s what we focus on:

• ✅ Restoring knee range of motion (bending and straightening your leg fully)

• ✅ Improving strength in your quads, hips, hamstrings, and calves.

• ✅ Walking confidence and gait retraining (especially if you’ve limped or compensated for years)

• ✅ Improving balance and preventing falls

• ✅ Helping you move with more ease, less pain, and a plan that actually makes sense

• ✅ Getting you back to things that matter — whether that’s stairs, gardening, walking the dog, or travelling again

Exercise Physiology for Total Knee Replacement. What Does a Typical Program Look Like?

We start by understanding you. Every program is personalised, but here’s a rough idea of what your journey might involve:

1. We assess where you're at — not just physically, but functionally.

This includes your range of motion, strength, how you’re moving, what’s holding you back, and what you want to get back to.

2. We build a plan that meets you there.

Depending on where you're starting from, we may begin with gentle, functional movements that promote circulation, reduce stiffness, and start rebuilding confidence — without aggravating pain or overdoing it. If you've already built some early stage range and confidence with a Physiotherapist, we may jump straight into the next stage.

3. We progress things at a pace that works.

As your knee settles, we start rebuilding real strength and resilience — not just in the joint, but across your whole body. You’ll use what you’ve got access to: bands, bodyweight, machines, whatever’s safe and realistic. If you choose to work with us face-to-face, we have access to a fully-equipped local gym, with a safe space to build back up.

4. We help you return to life on your terms.

Need to kneel in the garden again? Want to walk up stairs without hanging onto a rail? Thinking about getting back to swimming or the gym? We guide you through it, step by step.

5. Ongoing Maintenance Many clients choose to continue with a maintenance program to stay strong, mobile, and independent long-term — especially as joint replacements can still wear down if not supported well.

What If I Had My Surgery Months (or Years) Ago?

No stress. We work with plenty of people who had their surgery 6, 12, or even 24 months ago but still don’t feel quite “back to normal.” Whether you've been avoiding exercise, waiting for pain to settle, or not sure where to start — we can help you rebuild from here.

Movement still matters. And it’s never too late to improve how you feel, move, and function.

The truth no one tells you

Recovery isn’t linear. Some weeks feel like you’re on top of the world, others feel slow. That’s normal.

What matters is showing up consistently with a plan that adapts to you. We keep it realistic, grounded, and tailored — so you don’t get overwhelmed or stuck in no-man’s land between Physio discharge and “you’re on your own now.”

Our approach

At Adapt, we’re about more than rehab checklists. We’re about:

• Making progress feel achievable — not punishing

• Keeping you moving without flare-ups or fear

• Helping you trust your body again

• Building routines that fit your life, not disrupt it

• Coaching, not just instructing
  

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’ve just come out of surgery or you’ve been living with your new knee for a while, we can help you move forward with purpose — not guesswork.

Let’s have a quick chat to see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, no jargon — just a down-to-earth conversation about where you’re at and what support could look like.

📍 We’re based inside Think Fitness Bulimba & Institute of Sports and Spines Tingalpa

📅 Book an initial assessment & consultation Book Here

📩 Prefer to email? info@adaptmovementphysiology.com.au

📞 Or give us a call 0484 635 215