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“A Lifetime of Health”
Rehab after a total knee replacement makes a big difference to how well your new knee works. At our Corio and Norlane clinics in Geelong we guide you from the first weeks after surgery through to walking, stairs and getting back to the things you enjoy.
Why rehab matters
A knee replacement fixes the worn joint, but the muscles around it, your walking pattern and the knee’s range of movement all need work afterwards. The first few months are when the biggest gains are made, especially in how far the knee bends and how straight it goes. Regular, guided exercise in this window helps you get the most from your surgery.
What we work on
- Bending the knee (flexion)
- Getting the knee fully straight
- Strength in the thigh and hip
- Walking without aids
- Stairs, getting in and out of the car
- Managing swelling and pain
- Balance and confidence
Our senior physiotherapist Bill Dixon brings more than 38 years of clinical experience to post-surgical rehab.
Before surgery
If you’re on the waiting list, seeing a physio before your operation can help. Building strength and movement beforehand, and knowing what to expect afterwards, can make the early weeks of recovery easier.
Working with your surgeon
Every surgeon has their own guidelines for the weeks after surgery. Bring any instructions or exercise sheets from the hospital to your first visit and we’ll build your program around them.
When to contact your surgeon or doctor
Contact your surgeon, GP or hospital straight away if you notice increasing redness, heat or discharge from the wound, a fever, new pain and swelling in your calf, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain. If you think it is an emergency, call 000.
Related services
- Physiotherapy: Assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise for pain, injury and recovery after surgery.
Help with knee replacement rehab is available at both of our clinics, Corio on Bacchus Marsh Road and Norlane on Melbourne Road, for patients across Geelong including Lara, North Shore, Bell Park and North Geelong. No referral is needed.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please book an assessment or speak to your doctor about your own situation.
Knee Replacement Rehab FAQs
When should I start physio after a knee replacement?
Most people start in hospital the day after surgery, then continue with outpatient physio once they are home. Follow your surgeon’s advice on timing and book in as soon as you are discharged.
How long does knee replacement rehab take?
The main rehab period is usually the first three months, with continued improvement in strength and swelling for up to a year. Your physio will set goals and track your progress.
Is it normal for my knee to be swollen for months?
Some swelling and warmth for several months is common after a knee replacement. If swelling suddenly increases, or comes with redness, fever or calf pain, contact your surgeon or GP.