Pre- & post-surgical rehab · Knee replacement
Knee Replacement Physiotherapy at Home in Oakville
Helena Greyvenstein · PhysiotherapistAfter a knee replacement, the early weeks are mostly about two things: getting the knee straight and getting it to bend. Knee replacement physiotherapy at home with Helena Greyvenstein, a physiotherapist, covers both, before and after surgery, in Oakville.
Your plan follows your surgeon's protocol, whether you've had a total or partial replacement, and uses your own stairs and chairs instead of clinic equipment. See how in-home physiotherapy visits work.
Surgeries
Rehab for total and partial knee replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement
- Revision knee replacement
- Knee replacement on both sides
Every surgeon has their own rehab protocol. Have your discharge papers and any exercise sheets from the hospital handy, and your plan will be built around them. Had ACL or meniscus surgery instead? See ACL and meniscus surgery rehab.
Prehab
Physiotherapy before a knee replacement
Getting ready before surgery is called prehabilitation, or prehab. Helena teaches you the first exercises you'll do after the operation, while they're easier to learn, and looks at your home with a new knee in mind: which stairs you'll use, how high the bed and toilet are, and whether there's a chair with arms you can push up from.
It's also the time to practise with a walker or crutches, before you need them.
Rehab
Physiotherapy after a knee replacement
Rehab after a knee replacement moves through stages. Timelines depend on your surgeon and how you're healing, but it usually focuses on:
- Swelling and painManaging swelling and pain so you can move, exercise and sleep.
- Bending and straighteningGetting your knee range of motion back, especially full straightening.
- Walking and stairsSafe walking with an aid, then without, plus stairs and getting in and out of chairs, beds and cars.
- Strength and balanceBuilding the thigh, hip and calf muscles that support your new knee.
- Back to your lifeWalking the dog, the waterfront trail in Bronte, and the other things you had the surgery for.
Helena can also recommend the right walker, cane or crutches for your recovery. If you'll need a walking aid long term, she can help with an Assistive Devices Program application.
Safety
Warning signs after a knee replacement
- Calf pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg (a possible blood clot)
- Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911
- Fever, chills, or a wound that becomes red, hot, swollen or starts draining
- Sudden severe pain, a new inability to put weight on the leg, or numbness in the foot
For anything else that worries you, call your surgeon's office. Your physiotherapy plan always follows your surgeon's instructions.
Service area
Knee replacement physiotherapy near you
Helena sees people recovering from knee replacement in Glen Abbey, Bronte, River Oaks, Joshua Creek, West Oak Trails and the rest of Oakville.
Physiotherapy home visits are in Oakville only. In Burlington or Milton? Dr. Alex, our chiropractor, visits there.
Common questions
Knee replacement rehab questions
TimingWhen should I start physiotherapy after a knee replacement?
Usually very soon. Many people start moving with the hospital team on the day of surgery or the day after, then continue with physiotherapy once they're home. Follow your surgeon's instructions on timing.
RecoveryHow long does recovery from a knee replacement take?
It varies. Many people are doing everyday activities within a few months, and improvement often continues for a year or more.
PainIs it normal to have pain during knee replacement rehab?
Some discomfort is expected, especially early on. Exercises are adjusted to keep it manageable. Sudden, severe or worsening pain should be checked by your surgeon.
BendingHow much should my knee bend after a knee replacement?
It's different for everyone and depends on how your knee moved before surgery. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will track your progress. Getting the knee fully straight matters just as much as bending it.
OHIPIs physiotherapy after a knee replacement covered by OHIP?
Some people qualify for publicly funded physiotherapy after surgery, through the hospital or Ontario Health atHome. Doorstep Doc home visits are private, and many extended health plans include physiotherapy, so check your plan.
ReferralDo I need a referral for physiotherapy after a knee replacement?
No, you can book directly in Ontario. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note to reimburse physiotherapy, so check your plan.
Get started
Book knee replacement rehab at home
Getting ready for a knee replacement, or just home from one? Helena can start with your discharge sheet and your stairs.