Knee Replacement
Prehab and Rehabilitation
The strongest predictor of your outcome after knee replacement surgery is how strong you are going in. Prehabilitation — building strength and function before your surgery — consistently produces better surgical outcomes, faster recovery and improved long-term function. We provide both prehab and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Takes 60 seconds · No referral needed to start · Medicare rebates available
Prehab and Rehab
Stronger before surgery. Faster after it.
Most people wait until after their knee replacement to think about exercise physiology. This is the wrong sequence. The evidence is consistent and clear: patients who complete structured prehabilitation before knee replacement surgery have less post-operative pain, recover faster, achieve better functional outcomes and require fewer days in hospital rehabilitation.
We strongly advocate for starting your program as soon as you have a surgery date. Ideally 6 to 12 weeks of prehab before surgery, followed by a structured rehabilitation program from the day you are cleared to bear weight. The two phases are designed together so your post-surgical program builds directly on the foundation your prehab has established.
We work with your surgeon's protocol
Every orthopaedic surgeon has specific post-operative protocols covering weight-bearing status, range of motion restrictions and activity precautions. We obtain your surgeon's protocol before commencing post-surgical rehabilitation and design your program to work within it. If we have concerns or questions about your protocol, we contact your surgeon directly.
What We Do
A complete program from surgery decision to full recovery
Quadriceps strength developmentQuadriceps strength is the primary determinant of functional outcome after knee replacement. We target this specifically throughout both prehab and rehabilitation with progressive loading.
Hip and glute strengtheningHip abductor and external rotator strength is critical for knee mechanics and gait. Weakness here is often a contributing factor to the original knee pathology and must be addressed in both prehab and rehab.
Range of motion workPre-surgical range of motion improvements directly predict post-surgical range of motion. We work to maximise your knee flexion and extension before surgery so you begin your rehabilitation from the best possible baseline.
Gait retrainingPost-surgical gait patterns can become habitual if not addressed early. We provide gait retraining from the earliest stages of rehabilitation to prevent compensatory patterns that can cause secondary problems.
Swelling and pain management through exerciseAppropriate exercise and movement in the early post-surgical period is the most effective intervention for managing swelling and maintaining range of motion. We prescribe this precisely within your surgical parameters.
Functional milestones and return to activityWe track and progress you through the key functional milestones of recovery, from independent ambulation and stair climbing through to return to driving, sport and recreational activity.
Whole-body strength and fitnessKnee replacement surgery and the period of reduced activity leading up to it often results in significant deconditioning. We address your overall strength and fitness, not just the operative knee.
Reports to your surgeon and GPWritten reports after every review keep your orthopaedic surgeon and GP informed of your progress and any concerns.
Recovery Timeline
What the journey from surgery to full function looks like
This is a guide based on typical recovery trajectories. Your individual timeline will be determined by your surgeon's protocol, your prehab baseline and your response to rehabilitation. We adapt to your actual recovery, not an assumed one.
Prehabilitation begins
Strength, range of motion and neuromuscular training. Education on what to expect post-surgery and how to use mobility aids. Goal: arrive at surgery as strong and well-prepared as possible.
Early rehabilitation commences
Gentle range of motion, swelling management, early quadriceps activation within surgical parameters. Weight-bearing status as per surgeon protocol.
Progressive loading and gait training
Progressive strengthening, gait retraining, stair climbing, improving independence in daily activities. Swelling and range of motion continue to improve.
Strength building and functional recovery
Higher load strengthening, return to driving assessment, increasing activity tolerance and duration. Most patients achieve independent function in daily activities in this period.
Full recovery and return to activity
Progressive return to recreational activities, sport and full daily function. Ongoing strength and fitness building. Full knee replacement recovery is typically 6 to 12 months for complete return to all activities.
Funding and Rebates
Multiple ways to fund your program
Medicare CDM Plan
Knee osteoarthritis and post-surgical rehabilitation qualify under the Chronic Disease Management pathway. Up to 5 subsidised sessions per year.
Private Health Insurance
Most extras policies cover Exercise Physiology. Check your policy for your annual limit and rebate amount.
WorkCover and TAC
Knee replacement following a work or transport-related accident may be funded through WorkCover or TAC with case manager referral.
DVA Gold and White Card
DVA Gold Card holders have all clinically necessary rehabilitation sessions covered with no gap fee.
My Aged Care
Support at Home and CHSP packages can fund knee replacement rehabilitation for eligible older Australians.
Private
No referral needed. Book directly and pay privately. Start your prehab today regardless of surgical timeline.
Common Questions
Knee replacement FAQs
How much of a difference does prehabilitation actually make?
The evidence is consistent and meaningful. Patients who complete structured prehabilitation before knee replacement have significantly better quadriceps strength at 3 months post-surgery, faster return to independent ambulation, shorter hospital stays and better patient-reported outcomes at 6 and 12 months compared to those who do not. The investment in 6 to 12 weeks of prehab pays measurable dividends in your recovery. We strongly recommend starting as soon as you have a surgery date.
My surgery is in 4 weeks. Is it too late to start prehab?
No. Even 2 to 4 weeks of structured prehabilitation produces measurable improvements in strength and range of motion and meaningfully improves your mental preparation for surgery and rehabilitation. Start now. We design an intensive but safe 4-week program that maximises your gains in the time available.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon to start?
No. You can book directly and begin your prehab program without any referral. We will ask for your surgeon's name and contact details so we can obtain their post-operative protocol before your surgery date, and so we can send them progress reports during your rehabilitation.
My surgeon has given me a post-operative protocol. Will you follow it?
Yes. We obtain your surgeon's protocol before commencing post-surgical rehabilitation and design every session within its parameters. We do not progress beyond what your surgeon has cleared, and if we have questions or concerns we contact your surgeon directly rather than making assumptions.
Can I attend via telehealth?
Early-stage post-surgical rehabilitation requires in-person attendance so we can safely monitor your movement and progress. Later-stage review appointments and program updates are available via telehealth. We will advise you on the best arrangement at each stage of your recovery.
Have a surgery date? Start your prehab today.
The sooner you start, the stronger you will be going into surgery and the faster you will recover coming out. No referral needed to begin.
Start Your Plan (Book Your First Appointment)Takes 60 seconds · No referral needed · Medicare rebates available