Preparing for knee replacement: the six weeks before surgery
Pre-surgical preparation consistently improves early recovery. Here is what to work on.
The weeks before surgery are an opportunity that is often missed. Patients who arrive stronger tend to recover faster.
Build quadriceps strength
Quadriceps strength before surgery predicts function afterwards. Even modest gains help, because the muscle is inhibited immediately after the operation and starts from wherever you left it.
Practise the exercises you will need
Learning post-operative exercises beforehand — when you are comfortable and not in pain — makes them far easier to perform in the first days afterwards.
Sort out the house early
Clear walkways, plan a sleeping arrangement that avoids stairs if needed, arrange a raised seat and check bathroom access. Doing this in advance is much easier than improvising on day two.
Rehearse walking aids
Practising with crutches or a frame before surgery removes one thing to learn while you are sore and tired.
Set expectations
Early recovery is uncomfortable and progress is not linear. Knowing the normal pattern makes the difficult days easier to interpret.
