Knee replacement prehab and rehabilitation
We help you build strength before your knee replacement and rebuild movement, walking and confidence after it. Both phases are planned together, and post-surgical work follows your surgeon's protocol.
✓ Before and after surgery✓ No referral needed✓ Free on-site parking
Go in stronger, then rebuild step by step
Many people wait until after their knee replacement to think about exercise. Research suggests that exercise before surgery can improve strength and function going into the operation and may help in the early weeks afterwards. Results in studies vary and the evidence for longer-term differences is mixed, so we will not promise a faster recovery.
If you have a surgery date, around 6 to 12 weeks of prehab is a sensible window. After surgery, we pick up as soon as your surgeon clears you, and build on what you did beforehand.
How we help at each stage
From booking surgery to operation day
We build thigh, hamstring and hip strength, work on how far your knee bends and straightens, and get you ready for the first weeks after surgery.
- ✓Quadriceps and hip strengthening your knee can tolerate
- ✓Knee bend and straightening work
- ✓Practice with crutches or a frame
- ✓What to expect after surgery and the usual milestones
- ✓Setting up your home program in advance
From surgical clearance onward
We start once your surgeon clears you to exercise and progress through the usual milestones in stages.
- ✓Early knee movement and swelling management
- ✓Quadriceps strength, the muscle that matters most for stairs and chairs
- ✓Walking retraining
- ✓Stairs and everyday tasks
- ✓A graded return to recreation and sport where appropriate
A complete program, from surgery decision to recovery
Every surgeon has their own protocol for weight bearing, knee movement and activity. We get yours before starting post-surgical rehab and contact your surgeon if we have questions.
Quadriceps strength
Thigh strength is closely linked to how well people manage stairs, chairs and walking after a knee replacement, so it is a focus in both phases.
Hip and glute strength
Strong hips help control the knee when you walk and climb stairs.
Knee movement
We work on bending and straightening before surgery and from the early weeks after it, within your protocol.
Walking retraining
We address limping and guarding early so they do not become habits.
Swelling and pain
Appropriate movement, pacing and elevation advice in the early weeks, inside your surgical parameters.
Everyday milestones
Walking without aids, stairs and longer outings. Returning to driving is a decision for you and your surgeon.
Whole-body fitness
The months before surgery often mean less activity. We work on general strength and fitness, not just the operated knee.
Communication
With your consent we send written updates to your surgeon and GP.
Who we see
People at every stage of knee replacement, and knee osteoarthritis that is not yet at surgery.
What the path usually looks like
Prehab begins
Strength, knee movement and fitness work. Education on what to expect and how to use walking aids.
Early rehab
Gentle knee movement, swelling management and early quadriceps work. Weight bearing as your surgeon directs.
Loading and walking
Progressive strengthening, walking retraining and stairs, as your knee allows.
Strength and function
Heavier strengthening and longer activity. Many people are managing most daily tasks independently in this period.
Return to activity
A graded return to recreation and sport. Full recovery from a knee replacement commonly takes 6 to 12 months.
This is a general guide only. Your own timeline depends on your surgeon's protocol, your starting point and how your knee responds.
Ways to fund your program
What you pay depends on your funding. We can check your options before your first visit.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
If your GP includes Exercise Physiology on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan), for example for knee osteoarthritis, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility.
Gold and White Card
With a GP referral, DVA covers clinically necessary Exercise Physiology for Gold Card holders, and for White Card holders where it relates to an accepted condition.
Support at Home and CHSP
Exercise Physiology can often be included in an aged care package. Ask us or your care manager what your funding covers.
Extras cover
Most extras policies that include Exercise Physiology pay a rebate. Your fund can tell you your annual limit.
Accepted claims
Where your surgery relates to an accepted workplace or transport accident claim, sessions may be funded. You will need a referral and claim details.
No referral needed
You can book directly and pay privately, before or after surgery. See our pricing page for current fees.
See pricing for current fees and rebates.
Knee Replacement FAQs
How much difference does prehab make?+
My surgery is in 4 weeks. Is it too late to start?+
Do I need a referral from my surgeon to start?+
My surgeon has given me a protocol. Will you follow it?+
Can I attend by telehealth?+
What should I watch for after surgery?+
Keep reading
Have a surgery date, or recovering from a knee replacement?
Book your first appointment online or call us. We will tell you honestly whether and when we can help.
✓ No referral needed✓ Follows your surgeon's protocol✓ Free on-site parking