I had my TKR on Feb 01 this year. My experience was I did not get my flexion very far as long as my knee was swelled. Plenty of freezer wraps, lots of elevating and pushing the swelling down, lots of hard work. I did make progress in week 7 when the swelling went down and that's when I made good progress. My therapist was wonderful and she gave me a good workout each time. At 6 months post op I'm very happy with my TKR . My flexion is 128 and life is good. I've watched your videos for 9 months post op and you gave me confidence Tony and I thank you very much.

Of all videos I’ve been viewing after my knee replacement yours are the most positive, balanced and LOGICAL. Can’t thank you enough. Also love the comments you attract, sir.

Love your positive remarks.. I’m currently working on more range of motion after 2 month. My PT and I are both positive we will continue to make gradual progress. Too many people give up and are stop trying. It took our whole lives to wear down our knees- so I figure it will take time to get it back to where it once was or even better. Thanks for the encouragement.

Thank you, Tony. I really needed to hear this today!

My experience is proof that you have much longer to get your flexion back. At 8 weeks I was in a brace that limited bending to 15 degrees. This was due to leg reconstruction (osteosarcoma) that involved the patella tendon. Rehab was challenging and took a year. 9 years later I have 120 degrees and no evidence of cancer.

Thank you for your honest and realistic guidance.

At 8 weeks post TKR I’m able to walk, drive my car (two seater) and return to exercising with moderation as I still have pain (level 4-5) and some swelling in the knee. My therapist measured me at 124 for range of motion and released me to continue PT on my own. Everyday I experience little victories like being able to bend down and tie my shoes, standing to cook dinner and use these activities to track my progress. The key I have found is to continue to push yourself to do the activities you enjoy, stretching, icing and getting some good rest to let your body continue to heal from the surgery.

You really are the best and your explanations and encouragement take the fear out of the healing process. Thank you!

You are truly a God Send!

The best advice I read so far. Thank you

Thank you Tony….i just am so grateful. You’re the best!!

Thank you so much! It helps to have a clear understanding of both possibilities and restrictions. It’s all good, improvement almost always possible. Gratitude, physical therapy and appropriate exercise all help. Again, thank you.

Wow! Thank you so very much. I would not have known to ask about the "functional range of motion" of the knee implant i'll receive. I've added it to my list of questions for the surgeon.

I love you - you have provided me so much comfort. Thank you.

I have had setbacks due to inflammation and terrible swelling ( a family trait) I am twelve weeks post surgery and when I go to PT he measures me at around 105. After he works with me I’m around 115. Several weeks ago I couldn’t get to that at all. My physiotherapist assures me that I’ll get to 120 on my own if I keep working at it and not to worry. I was really annoyed that some written info. Handed to me in hospital said “ the bend you have at six weeks is the bend you’ll have for life”.... it’s just not true! We’re all different and it would seem to me that the bend you have largely depends on the amount of effort and time one is prepared to devote to improving. I’ve done everything I should have done from the outset and some. At six weeks I was about 90 degrees! It just wasn’t happening. My take away is that every week I’m improving and that’s really all I focus on Thanks for your videos as I watch them religiously and I utilise some tools suggested to help me advance. Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺

Thank you so much for being so positive.

Thanks for this. My experience has been exactly what you said. When I finished my formal PT I was only at 105 on my own. But as I have continued to work out, it has gotten way better. I haven't measured it formally, but I'm guessing it's more like 125-130 now. More importantly, the knee is completely functional and I can do whatever I want.

I found your channel the most postitive, inspirational and comforting during my bilateral journey. I'm glad you were here to help me through. Many thanks! 🙂

I wish I had you for my therapist when I was doing rehab. I’m now at 8.5 weeks, I’m not at 120, but I’m getting there because of my persistence. One of the therapists scared me to death saying I needed to be at 120 soon because otherwise I would have to have manipulation. I had no idea what she was taking about until.she explained it. I told her no way that I would let anyone touch my knee again. I feel that they are pressured to push people into achieving this goal of 120. Needless to say, I am doing better each day because I’m doing exercises religiously. I’ll get there when I get there.

Thank you SO much for this video. It really helped me so much. Thank you.

Thank you so much for that information ☺️

Very helpful perspective, thank you. I'm just getting started with outpatient PT (5 days post op, had my first session this morning) and it's good to hear your viewpoint. I believe my PT is of the same mindset as you.

Hi Tony. Thanks for your great content - it's the best out there. I'm 3 weeks post op TKR in Manchester UK. I had my operation on the NHS who were great as usual, however, I'm only getting around 80% bend and don't seem to be able to improve on this so far. The skin over my knee seems like it's stuck to my kneecap which was resurfaced as part of the procedure. I've taken note of your massage videos - any other advice you can impart?

Totally agree. It took about a year after TKR to have complete normal knee ROM. Soon thereafter I absolutely forget that I had a new knee. So grateful for that one going for the other knee in 3 weeks.

Thanks for the info im about to have my tkr in 2days that really helps me have a positive mindset

Thanks for the encouragement. I needed MUA after my 6 week of TKR to get me to 90. After 8 weeks I'm at 96 and will keep pushing thru. I guess everyone's body is different. This is a difficult road, but staying positive.

Thank you so much for that message 😊

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION!!!

Thank you for the information. I'm 5 weeks postoperative and was at 120 degrees and still working. My doctor and therapist are happy with my progress. I was given the okay to do what I felt comfortable doing so I started back bowling, Just one game but it felt good with just a little stiffness later in the day.

Thank you Tony glad to hear progress can continue from someone else, I’m doing grand at 8weeks but still struggling a bit with normal stair climbing but not panicking think it may be down to my other knee misbehaving over the last few weeks, thankfully it didn’t flair up at surgery time! I’m going for a steroid injection for that in the next couple of days, my Consultant feels that knee can last with proper physio 😊without replacement if we are clever about it, my original surgeon was going to replace it few weeks after the first surgery. My Consultant here in the UK is a little like you slow and steady, this is a marathon not a sprint, he does not expect his patients to have a so called “normal” knee till nearly 1 full year but stresses the importance of continuing with my exercises and icing as required , told me at 8 weeks I’m only 20% healed. I’ve got a straight knee and 125 degrees flexion, still aches and swells but nothing like the athritic pain I had before, I keep telling myself that! 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

You are a great help to me. I am a day past two weeks of surgery and Still have much pain.

Common sense is alive and well....GREAT JOB

Hi your video has been very reassuring 9weeks today I have had surgery from a broken patella I personally did not think that I was progressing well with bending my knee I haven't had therapy as yet but I have been bending my knee with permission from my surgeon and I have reach 65% so far thanks for this video

Tony...appreciate your video. I am almost at 3 week point from my bi-lateral TKR....started PT out, day after i came home from hospital. On my 4th PT visit i'm just about completely flat on both...my surgeon and therapist really put emphasis on extension. What little remains on 100% extension i believe is from tight hamstrings which ive always had...so my therapist is working on that. As far as ROM i last measured about 105 on my right and about 100 on left. My therapist is always supportive, but im always wondering if im on schedule in ROM at this stage. I too thought there was a window to get ROM...the race against scar tissue. This is just me, not coming from my surgeon or therapist. Appreciate your thoughts....your videos are invaluable...thank you

I had a knee revision in mid Jan 2024. I only had mild pain for a week then nothing. Still some swelling but good flexion and extension. I’m very pleased, everyone is different

Super video ,thank you 🤗

I'm with u in the nightmares, except mine are also the MUA! I don't see my Dr for 9mo & i don't think I'm where i should be at 3 months. I'm grateful to have found these videos & helpful comments

great! very inspirational! thank you! had total knee replacement 13 days ago Started PT'S AND each time i go PT's all says im doing great and true after using machines my post op kness are softer and more bendable and measured 85 angle lying on bed and when I come home i have difficulty bendinmg it to 85 am I still ok I walk with FWW around the house up and down stairs, can get in/out commode and also in bed do things on my own

Thanks for explaining this. I had my TKR in May, 2023 and haven’t done so well. I had a great start for the first 2 weeks and then I was sent home to manage everything on my own. I live alone, can’t drive and have to care for myself. In usual life that is manageable but after surgery IT IS NOT. I managed to get to PT about 16 times but had to stop. Unexpected other injuries happened. I can bend my knee halfway to straight but that is all. It is stiff hard frozen swollen all the time. I can’t exercise it or walk because I severely injured my foot. I have to ice and elevate my foot now 24/7 - it is bad injury. Thus, it is good to be reminded that this is not the end of my story. There is hope. There is more range of motion in my future. I will walk up my stairs again and enjoy leaving my bed again. HOPE.

I'm at 11 weeks Post TKR Bilateral. Today was my last session with my PT & she measured me at 100 for the left knee & 110 for the right. I have been pretty laid back about ROM but am now worried that without a PT the 120 target would be impossible. Thanks to this video & comments, I'm determined to increase the frequency & intensity of home exercises to reach this target slowly but surely.

Thank you so much!!!! I was so stressed. I wont give up🙂

OK, this is good, I am five weeks out and only at 92/0-2, and I do all the exercises, but have a hard time bending, I was 135 on the table so I am not sure how good it will get, I see my surgeon for the first time since surgery on Dec 8, so hope he doesn't want to do a mua, I can rotate on my bike but can only go upstairs, and still have alot of pain and stiffness when walking, and don't get up from chairs etc. without using my arms.

I like the way you talk make it easy for everyone I had my knee replacement surgery 5 weeks ago still I’m stressed I can’t bend it that much I can walk I go on the stairs when I go for physio it goes up to 90 when I’m at home it is not going that well and I do physio everyday at home 2-3 times I have a good day and bad day but I have pain too 😢

Wow Tony: impressive video. I just texted my surgeons office the question! I have a question for you . I’m concerned because I’ve been experiencing low back pain after rehab session! I do have a prior back history. I’ve mentioned it to my PT to no avail! I trying to figure out if it’s the recumbent bike? or other exercise so I can stop it or not do as many! This is of great concern because I can’t do the back exercises I do for it because it requires getting on the floor which I can’t do post 2 months TKR. Any ideas 💡 Thanks app a lot .Alicia, Miami, FL

thank you so much for this information

Hi Tony,i have had a tkr,going on now 16 months,recovery slow,still experiencing a,lot of stiffness and slight pain,unfortunately in my job,i am on my feet,quite a bit,doing 12 hour shifts, Ijust wanted to ask,does it normally take this amount of time to make progress,love your u tube videos,spuring me on,tks Tony

Good to know before hand. Thanks.

I'm 3 weeks post op... about 115 degrees, but most important to me, is that I can get on the floor, and get up off the floor with a down dog yoga maneuver. I'll take it!

Hi Tony, I had bilateral knee replacement 8 weeks ago. Within 3 1/2 weeks I was at 120 on my left knee and 112 on my right knee. Needless to say, I was very happy with that. However, at week 8 I’m still at 120 and 112. I still have some swelling in both knees. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that my knees have made no progress? I can almost straighten them now. They’re both at 1%. I do my exercises and even go to the gym.

I had a surgery done (not a tkr) and in my 3 months I got to 100 degrees with PT, I gained the next 25 degrees over a two year process of stretching, walking and cycling. I absolutely think it’s possible! The body is amazing at healing in its own time !

How does extension and bend affect us in daily activities...in other words, what angles of extension or bend is minimally needed to walk or do any other types of activities?..

Very helpful!!

Can you please advise? My physiotherapist said that 130 degree bend is unrealistic as the hardware would clunk together but I see people commenting they get to 130 and above??? It’s definitely possible? In your opinion what is the maximum bend achievable on average? Edit: I typed the above comment before I finished watching the video. Maybe my implant only allows for 120 or so? Wish I’d known to ask the surgeon weeks ago. I won’t see him for a year now Thanks again for the video

Very helpful info. I am now 8 weeks post op from my TKR and only have about 83 range of motion. I was beginning to feel like a failure as I had done physio/strength training for over a year prior to my surgery, Aquafit 4-5 times a week, 3-5 km hikes weekly plus faithfully did all the post op exercises as well as Physio twice a week. I met again with the surgeon last week who did not suggest I needed MUA. Your video has given me renewed hope! I can finally do full revolutions on the stationary bike and my PT is working on greater knee bend as well as doing some deep finger massages around the knee. I am determined to eventually get better range of motion so I can go back to doing the things I enjoy.

Thank you. I needed to hear this. I am five months post op and I met a 90 and cannot even be pushed any further. I was told by the physical therapist at my last visit that it’s not going to get any better at this point. This was heartbreaking for me because it’s worse than before surgery. I’m not giving up. I did to 30 minutes today on my recumbent bike and do feel like maybe I overdid it. I don’t know

I am very grateful to you for this video...b

Thank you sooooooo much for this video! I had a few complications after my TKR, which included problems with meds, severe calf pain which delayed physio. I could barely flex my foot, even when medicated! Anyhow, I've been doing physio for 6 1/2 wks and I can bend to 110 but it's really painful. I do feel anxious and a little depressed that I haven't gotten passed 110 in 8 days! I did get on a stationary bike yesterday and managed a full rotation in reverse but it was quite painful. I don't want to hurt myself, and at the same time, I just can't seem to figure out how much pain is too much pain?!? On average, and in your experience, how long after surgery might it be painful? I know everyone is different, and some seem to get thru this easier than others, but a ballpark estimate would look like??

Hi Tony, my knee replacement was March 2021, almost a year, and my flexibility is about 100, and still a little stiff, and have difficulty using stairs. What can I do to improve my situation? Please help. Thanks

I needed to hear this! I'm 13 days post LTKR. I'm 8/110 and have been feeling frustrated at slow progress.

I've been watching your Video. I'm taken back, it's been soo helpful. If had my knee done 11bweeks ago. I've just had the MUA done 8 days ago. I still have barley any notion, as far as I'm at currently -5 +85. I was measured yesterday. Everyday I get up and it's right back to the same Very limited range of motion. Yes I'm in PT3times a week, I have the Dyna splint, the CPM machine, and I do my excercises as best I can . HELP....😥😥😥😫😫

Thank you!!!

I got a serious knee injury from doing ground flips; ruptured knee with broken bone chips. It's been 5 weeks and I've only gotten to 67 degrees in range. Today I could only bend it to around 45 degrees and I'm scared I might need to get a MUA and start over.

Had a TKR on left knee 3 weeks ago (Feb 24 2022). Had a severe bow inward due to complete multi directional torn meniscus, acl tear as well. Walked on it for 12 years. Now, still using walker, have extreme calf and thigh pain. Is it due to atrophy? Im 51, 6'5 370. Im doing all the exercises and walking as much as tolerable. Im only in week 4 but Somedays I just wanna give up. Any advice? Thanks

Because of your support and all your videos I had a total knee replacement on June 29, I think I’m about 115 and my goal is 140, I plan on taking up Irish dancing or swing dancing when I am done with my new knee and my new opposing hip. And I do look to your videos whenever I need inspiration. Thank you Tony so much for all you give to us. We are extremely appreciative As well as inspired by all you tell us..

Hi I am 11 weeks out of tkr and have got very down about my lack of rom I've not seen physio for 5 weeks due to a holiday and cancelled appt covid. I use your site to encourage me and give visuals which help alot I'm about 90 on fkexion I did everything but am loosing will to live and feel upset and frustrated as cannot function or sit back of thigh hates sitting for long periods? Hopefully see physio soon but I'm not confident they are going to reassure me or just sit on fence. I need to be told exactly what is required ir could work and I'll do it. Think your great sorry for rant.

4 months post op, I have 120 flexion but -8 on straightening despite a manual manipulation. Surgeon got me from -8 to -4 (good) but I have gotten back to -8 despite doing my home and outpatient PT stretches.

I'm 3 weeks post op today. My surgeon told me I only have 6 to 7 weeks and if you slack during physio I'm screwed. Week 1 at physio when i went in, I was only at 45 and when I left and hour later I was 64. Week 2 I was 55 when I went in and 66 when I left. I feel like I'm failing but the swelling finally started to go down and I can bend it more. I'm not sure what exactly it is now but I'll find out tomorrow. I do have a really painful thigh muscle on the outside of my leg. I message it everyday to where it hurts but also feels good at the same time. That pain has been there for weeks. Not sure why, but maybe it was from the tourniquet?

I am 7 wks post op if TKR. My new knee/ leg is double the size of my other leg even after icing. The more I try to do around the house the more it swells. I am going to physio every week. My range is only 105. The knee is so tight & massive I can’t get it to bend more. I hope as the weeks go on & the knee & leg stop swelling I will get more of a range.

I have a 'Stryker' TKR. Can I sit on my heels or not? I'm happy to work towards it but dunno what the max ROM is meant to be, if any?

I broke my femur and my knee went stiff, the surgeon never told me it would, it 10 weeks post-surgery and I can't bend my knee, I something tight over my knee, maybe its scar tissue as I had reduction surgery, the surgeon says he doesn't know what it is, sought the second opinion, he said I would have to have an adjustment to get rid of scar tissue, like physical therapy didn't attempt to remove or soften anything(big disappointment). I'm worried I'll never bend my knee, guess cos it's stiff I'm frightened it'll break. Im having to hold off on that as Ive got a DVT. Its my own knee, will it work after this time?

I had TKR on June 21st of this year as of right now my bend is only at 70 degrees, I think that my surgeon and my Physical Therapist has given up on me, I don’t know what to do

I totally agree having lived through a tkr who was talked into a manual bend when my doctor felt I wasn’t reaching his expectations on my bend. Which was a total nightmare because after that procedure I basically had to start over. The real progress I made was after I went back to work 4 months later. Next Monday I’m going in for my other leg knee replacement and yes I dread the pain,sleepless nights and physical therapy I scheduled a trip to Las Vegas September 1st. I welcome the challenge. My advice to anyone about to go through this procedure is don’t sit around expecting your knee to automatically bend perfectly after the fact it takes months of work to get your life back.

Dear Tony I am in my in my 8th week. I saw my surgeon after 5 wks and he was not happy at my 80 ROM. I am now a 95 or more ROM. I hope he does not manually bend my knee. I still have 5 more OT sessions. I know by end of 8th week I will be at least 100 or more. Kindly suggest what should I ask my surgeon on August 25th, 2021? I am waiting for your response. Thank you.

Hi, My mother went through knee replacement 1 month before in right knee she is not able to get zero extension. Is it normal? How much time normally it takes for you have to gain zero extension?

It’s been 12 days since my TKA. I been walking around the house. I can drive my car. My problem is my outer thigh about midway up, I think people call it the IT band, is so tight that I could only force my knee to bend about 88% angle. It feels if I pushed it any further something would snap.the knee itself hurts very little probably scale of two. Has anybody ever heard of this before?

Thank you

Between 5 and 8 months I gained 14 degrees with no therapy, now it’s gonna be a year next week and its 130. I went to water exercise class 3 mornings a week like I’ve always done. My doc is very surprised.

HI Tony, I'm 10 weeks post op from my TKR, and my flexion has stagnated at 105 degrees for 3 weeks. I feel like I hit a wall and I'm very worried that I'll never be able to bend my knee any further. I still have a lot of swelling, and it feels like I'm carrying a cinder block around my knee. I'm a heavy person and the Doc did say it will take me longer to recover because of that. I have PT twice a week, and I go to the gym the rest of the week, but no progress. Some of the PT techs say I need to keep bending it no matter how painful it is; just go to my happy place. Others say to stretch and bend it up to the point of pain, but don't go past it. Whose advice should I follow? The last time I saw the more aggressive PT tech, I couldn't hardly bend it at all for a week; way too painful. Thx.

Thank you for all the information you provide! I had TKR November 23 and I'm at 100 degrees ROM at best. I've been going to PT three days a week, I do PT twice a day, every day and yet I can't seem to get the ROM to go past 100. I have an appointment today with my surgeon, when do they typically recommend MUA? Do I have time before we go that route? Thank you!!

I had both of my knees done 6 months ago. I have full range of motion. When I left PT in October, my left was at 142 and my right was at 135. I exercise everyday and started yoga. I can now touch my butt with both heels and have full extension in both knees (the right took a little longer).

Will scarring limit motion? I thought that is why we are told we only have a limited time.

I disagree on ROM. I have got between 137-140 most days now. I’m at 9 weeks PO now. Does it hurt yes and can’t stay that way yet but I can get there. So it’s possible to get that far but rare. I just got lucky I guess. Most likely I’ll stay at 135 without pain though but I’m working on it slowly.

I had a fractured patella repair, and I've been doing pt for 4 weeks, but I'm not getting much range of motion. I've been at 65 degrees for 4 weeks

I didn't have range of motion before surgery and the Dr said I might not get it back after surgery..I'm 9 weeks since surgery..it's better than it was befor surgery but def not how it should be

Thanks - my PT realizes that I am quite motivated to improve ROM. So after measuring mine at 110 ( 24 day after therapy ) he said that his best results from a patient was 134 - kind of digging at my ego to keep it up and push for better ROM. Working real hard at it. I have nightmares that my knee will freeze at 110 or less.

At 3 weeks I had 120 degrees range of motion.. at 8 weeks, While I was in the Outpatient Therapy ..The Orthopedic Surgeon stated he was not pleased with my current range of motion ( He didn't measure...he just pushed my leg back towards my chest...He gave me a quilt trip and requested that I see him in 2 weeks = 10 weeks...At ten weeks he stated that he was pleased with my Range of motion progress...At 14 weeks he gave his finally assessment and stated that I did not have to see him for 2 years ( at this point my range of motion was 127 degrees)..At 6 months before discharge...my maximum range of motion was 132 degrees...at the 8 1/2 month mark ..I personally have no reason to measure my range of motion again.

This is so hard. I actually heard 6 weeks and that’s all I’m getting. It’s painful. Having a hard time, nearly 4 weeks for me and I’m just starting to feel better.

I wish you were my therapist. I am the same but I am about 90 degs after a month of surgery. Therapist says I should be 100 or over and physician says same. I’m trying the best I can, icing, elevating and taking ibuprofen. Now I’ve been told to take oxycodin (10 milligrams) before therapy, and also prednisone. I’ve never taken so much medication before. Frankly worried, do not want them to do manipulation.

Thank you Toney .yesterday after 3 months my range of motion is 65 and he said can't do anything . U mist be like that the rest of your life .😢😢😢this is heartbreaking. I can do drive I can do lots of exercises I'm not very good but physio told me you are getting much better then before . He wanted to do manipulation but yesterday said no I changed my mind I might break your knee . He is a liar or is telling the truth from yesterday I'm so broken 😢😢😢

I am from Trinidad and Tobago

Range of motion is an attitude. If you believe that you have only a finite period of time you have let them define your results. You are in charge of you and your recovery. Get rid of them as soon as you can.

I’m at 8 weeks after TKR. My flexion is 120, but I’m still struggling with my extension. If I continue to be consistent can I get full extension this late?

I'm 6 months out and have a 125/130 range and still improving. I still have pain and swelling but when it's not swollen my range increases, So I figure when all the pain and swelling stop I'll be at full range.

Hi , I am on 6 weeks post op, I am struggling getting my knee past 90 % , I am working hard on it but it's so tight and swollen I am struggling, my surgeon discharged me but told me I have got to push it more I am getting disheartened . The only thing I wonder is that I have had a very bad bone on bone knee for three years I definitely didn't walk normally over that time, the surgeon said my knee was in an awful mess, hence I wonder if my recovery may take abit longer, what do you think, I am open to suggestions. Thank you for your videos.

If knee replacement removes the osteoarthritis then how can their be a deadline?

I have completed 4 months after knee surgery but still I have problem when I go down the stairs .i cannot fold it .I think it is not more than 90 to 95 degrees. So what is your suggestion

I wondered if the surgeon only said that to scare her into doing her exercises

As well as the PT. regiment, my massage therapists assures me that she works on a number of clients with injury/ surgery mobility issues and she, through scar tissue manipulation, has brought marked improvements. My PT isn’t delivering much more than 100-110 degrees and my massage therapist is my plan B to get further along with my mobility/ range.

My surgeon ruined my life. I’ll never compete in my sport again. I’m in my 20s and I’ve seen 4 surgeons and 5 physical therapist. I hate surgeons.

I had 130 at the end of 6 weeks