I'm sitting here 6 days after total knee replacement and your video is the most sensible one I have watched. At 74, living alone, with a number of co-morbidities, the optimistic videos of clean skinned, pain free, young people in the prime of life demonstrating exercises is the most dispiriting thing. Now I am doing well enough, mobile without a cane but carrying one just in case most of the time - but it hurts, a lot - and so do the other joints in my arthritic body, including the other knee. The bruising and swelling from the surgery inhibits movement as well. It is tempting to say that the only people who should do these videos is a patient who has been there and done that.

I've followed you guys for the past 18 months. Today I'm 4 months post op. The TKR went well, I went home the same day. And yes, I focused on the range of motion exercises full time for the first month. Today I'm fine with a full range of motion. It still gets tight at times and at night but overall I'm satisfied with my TKR. Thanks guys for all you do for us.

Yes I'm going to see the surgeon this Tuesday so I will mention it to him. Many, many thanks for your timely response 😉👍🏼

I'm with you Patti! I never imagined such deep pain existed!!! Took a lot mentally, emotionally and physically!

I had my two knees replaced 3 months apart. My success to healing quickly with great range of motion was water exercises 3xs a week 2 hours at a time 3 months before surgery and after my stuchers or stitches totally healed. I did have 2 weeks of home care PT and 5 weeks of PT using leg presses and massage by the PT. As soon as I was released, back to the pool I went. Still going to the pool doing water aerobics. Happy recovery to all!!!

Thank you for this video! I'm a former collegiate and professional basketball player and I'm having a knee replacement next week at 38 years old. This helps ease my mind about rehab. Thank you again.

Thank you so much for the informative video! I am having my knee replaced in 2 weeks and this information will be very helpful!

Thanks for the time and effort that you both put into your videos. This one will be handy in a year or two! For now I have moderate degenerative osteoarthritis in my knee. I have used other of your videos on sciatica and sore knees. Have you or will you please make a video on trochanteric bursitis?

I love this video. I'm physio in England, seen thousands of TKRs, and I'm saying these exact points to my patients too. It is all very sound advice for anyone with a new knee. Thanks fellas! (And hello to all my patients who I've told to watch this!) - Oli

The best thing I appreciated from my physical therapist was his strong hands that really helped to straighten my knee and ease the pain. My husband tried but couldn’t do it as well as a trained therapist.

I had partial knee replacement four weeks ago, after watching your video I am glad that I am in right direction Thank you for this and all of your great videos.

I'm 75 and had knee replacement three weeks ago. Progress is amazing, because I did as my therapist told me. Get in shape prior to surgery, do the required exercise post surgery. I am walking without aids, have full range of motion, and very little pain. I'm not patting myself on the back but the physical therapist. Will continue to see him each week until he can't stand the sight of me.

Great advice from someone who is on their third knee replacement!! Thank you!

My number 1 is - a positive mindset before going for the op as this will help with a speedy progress and recovery

I came across this just in time as I will be having a full right knee replacement this October 30th. Thanks.

You made some great points about one knee doing better than the other & not to compare yourself. I'm 7 weeks after a patellofemoral replacement and seemed to have plateaued about 3 weeks into my recovery, despite only being in my early 50s, relatively fit, a non-smoker & religiously follow the exercises given to me by my physio, despite the pain. I'm also regularly applying ice-packs & keeping up with the meds. On top of this, I try to walk everyday, outdoors using a cane supplied by the hospital (on their suggestion). Despite all this, the knee still swells almost as soon as I put any weight on it, it's very stiff (especially when I first wake up) & it hurts like hell if I walk. As a bit of background, I stupidly crossed my legs over on the day after the surgery, which caused my knee to completely seize-up but my consultant didn't x-ray it, thinking the problem was "merely" caused by a post-op hemorrhage behind the cap, and so would not show up. Before the leg-crossing, I was doing so well, I was able to climb stairs with only a single cane, so you can imagine it was a bit of a shock. They had talked of discharging me the day after surgery, but kept me in another couple of days because of the "set-back", as it was called it. Frankly I wish he had sent me for x-ray, just for re-assurance (especially now the knee has started to squeak when I flex it). I was beginning to get really worried & depressed about it tonight, as I've had a really bad week, but your points have helped to reassure me, for which I'm very grateful.

You two are the best!

One month and one day out from partial knee replacement. I am also a gastribypas person. No pain meds. I just did the excersize where you sit in a straight back chair with your affected leg on another chair. You said let it stretch for five minutes. It was hard but when done it felt wonderful. Thank you.

I had a TKR and wish I had this information beforehand. Excellent information. Can't stress cold packs enough.

Everything they say is absolutely correct and should be followed. i was fortunate to have a good therapist who advised me.

❤️Appreciate your advice, Love it!! Thank your for posting 💪🏼💪🏼 I will use it for my upcoming scheduled surg. In 2022 ❤️❤️

Great advise! Thank you!

I'm 8 wks post-op TKR and i'm returning to work next week. I ended up getting sick 2 1/2 wks in and had to cancel my PT. I did the exercises at home instead. i saw my surgeon last week and he's happy with the progress. Glad I saved the money on PT

Thank you!! I am on my third week of recovery and therapy is hard. I appreciate you two sharing important info,

Thanks, guys. I have PT tomorrow and I won't make any more jokes about what I'm going to do to him when he pushes too hard. This video helped to put it in perspective. I'm eleven days in and I see light at the end of the tunnel. Icing and massage have really helped with the swelling which I have much more of this time than the last full replacement. Also, I too want to rid myself of the walker so that's good advice too. I'll hang on for awhile.

Thank you......I'm 4 weeks post TKR. I was totally overdoing the walking and strength exercises. Thamks to your post I have a better understanding of how to proceed

Both my Mother in Law and Father had knee replacements a day apart! THANK YOU for these videos they have helped SO much! However, I disagree With the both of you on one thing… You are pretty! LOL OL this is giving us all a little giggle and a lot of help thank you.

Thanks for info - I'm having replacement knee surgery this fall and this is good to know .

I'm a PT who specializes in post-op Total Knee and Hip joint replacement therapy and can totally support what Bob and Brad advise here

Thanks, Bob & Brad.

THIS VIDEO MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT I'VE SEEN ON YOU TUBE. I hate to say it, but I'm guilty of probably ALL of the mistakes you listed here. Thanks for your continuing free help to knee patients everywhere.

So helpful. Thanks guys.

Thanks for the tips. I'm having knee replacement surgery in the Spring. I'm in Canada so having to wait a while for it. I've had the pre-op therapy and I do 15 miles a day on my stationary exercise bike. I've lost 20 lbs and trying to see how much more I can lose before the surgery.

Thank you. Great info.

After my knee replacement in France, we are not given frames or canes. I also had a lot of muscle wastage in the upper part f my leg, which the doctor explained was due to the length of time my knee had been a problem. Physio was torture but I persevered and have good movement now. My only issue is that Kneeling is uncomfortable.

Good info...thanks guys !!!

This comes at a perfect time because I'm having my second knee replaced on Monday. Physical therapy is so important. I had my first knee done in December and I still do some therapy at home .

Great tips! Can you offer any links to peer reviewed articles that provide documentation of decreased ROM after progressing to a cane too quickly?

These guys did a good job of describing the process. As a double knee replacement guy, I can't over emphasize the commitment you have to make to rehab. It's hard work, but worthwhile. Suck it up and endure a little pain for the first couple of months. After that, life is beautiful.

How are we supposed to keep on top of our pain with the abysmally tiny doses of pain medication!!! 1:48 1:49

made a few of the 5 mistakes, makes perfect sense, AFTER you watch this clip, great info, many thanks from Ireland

All very good advice.

I had both TRP done 4 yrs ago. Can u recommend what exercise shd I continue to do to keep them flexible n strong. Yr videos are informative n helped me in understanding the need to do the right exercises. Thks!

Awesome thank you! Motion is lotion is what my PT tells me!

I’ve have 5 surgeries requiring PT. Some PT follow the book and forget we’re all different. Just because the book says “try to push the wall back”, doesn’t mean I’m ready for that. I’m not in a race or competition.. At one PT session I was fine at level one therapy and level 2 seemed like it was level 4. I felt a pop in my arm after rotator cuff and did great after that at home. The other was knee arthroscopic. I told the heffa my leg couldn’t bend backwards any further than where it was. She pushed it down and I left limping and had to get an injection. Jan 21,19 is my TRNR. Excited and cautious to make sure I have a good therapist and that I exercise at home by myself also. I’m not in a race or competition. Slow and steady works for me.

Very invaluable advice. I had a Patellar tendon rupture repair as well as MCL surgery 2 months ago. Now Dr had me in the legbrace for 6 weeks at only 30 degrees flexion. Been going to physio as per the schedule but since the brace came off they focus a LOT on getting the knee to bend more by stretching and that hurts a lot, but yeah no pain no gain. But doing my regime of exercises they gave me daily makes my knee swell up, making walking painfull when I put full weight on it. Using ice packs helps a bit. I went off 2 crutches a couple weeks ago but using one only. But this seems to make walking more hazardous or painful and slow. I am making progress with flexion but seems walking is not progressing as I would like. What would you guys recommend?

Thanks you are so helpful. I had a knee replacement at the end of 2019 and I still have swelling. Is that normal? Thanks❤️

Hi Bob and Brad it's been so amazing following you up.. I'm kelviwise famous physio therapist Cameroon as well and I'm looking forward to connect with you and let's see how our world can better a better place for all physio related issues...Thks and we will talk more later

Thanks. I believe in therapy. Since Nov 10th, 2016 I have had both shoulders replaced witH reverse replacements. I'm doing quite well. Now, I am a Parkinson's patient with NOH, STIFFNESS and very tender feet. I've taken Precocet 5/325 since my first surgery; both shoulders due to (osteoarthritis). X Rays tell my knee doc, my left is in worse shape. Also, I have CKD 3. I dread the upcoming knee surgery and, I'm left with little choice but, to stay tough! PAIN TAKES AN EMOTIONAL TOLL. I'm praying my CKD and/or PD does not hinder my recovery. At his time (1/21/18) I'm fortunate to get 5 hrs sleep a night. Help me, I need some encouragement. I like this video. THANKS AGAIN

thank-you so very much. iyou guys are funny and smart. great combo

Love you guys!

I like the comment "A race against scar tissue". Finally I understand this. My surgery was February 15th, 2017. My knee popped March 13th and I went backwards. The "popping" was my muscles and tendons learning a new way to work together. My surgeon is 7 hours away. I went to emergency here but the doctor is not familiar with knee replacement surgery and did not give me good advice. I was back on crutches for a week. Unfamiliar with "a race against scar tissue" emerge doctor wanted me to only take over the counter medicines like tylenol extra strength and to exercise a little less "don't push yourself till you have pain". Being in pain and trying to exercise does not work. I went for my check in with my surgeon. I was feeling frustrated because of stiffness, swelling and pain. Another lesson learned... Communication between your doctor, physio and surgeon is very important so everyone has the same goal and plan of action. My surgeon was upset and explained that we are team and our goal is for me to be successful. I am now back on the right track and on medicine that will assist me! My surgeon also suggested I view your video to help with exercises. Another star for your video is the vocabulary can be easily understood by patients. Very much appreciated! Thank you

Thank you for a great teaching video every patient should see this before and after operation and be conscious about it The race against the scar. Vitamins e cream and massages My friend got a knee replacement six weeks the swelling diminish but still is there and pain also she can not take but Tylenol the range of motion back is good but straight is not there yet. After seven weeks In some point do hot patches will do before excercise? Would you recommend hot yoga class? Your input is appreciated Thank you

thank you doctors....

Very helpful.

Great advise. You say no pain no gain and about the medication no P/T has said to take the medication otherwise it is a waist of time...good points

I had a total knee replacement on SEPT. 27th. Getting along fine with my therapy but having trouble lifting my leg when laying down flat in a horizontal position. Could this be just a temporary thing due to the muscle being cut during the replacement procedure?

Good info I'm getting knee replacement next month

good information guys. my problem is my arms hurt because I use them to get up instead of my knees.

Hi just wanted to say that this crackel n popping is not any better in fact it hurts like hell any help out there also my foot is still swollen how long should I baby this thing honestly its pokeing my last nerve... Help

When I had my shoulder replaced it was range of motion, for me specifically,that wound up being the most critical element. Rebuilding your strength comes as a side benefit of range of motion that allows you to resume at some level exercises that you might have been doing before, like pushups.

Good advice guy's, I have had a total of 9 knee surgery's on my left knee. i had three infections which cost me a partial knee replacemant, then a total knee replacement and now i have a revised total knee replacement in. Since august 2017 i have had a total of 6 on this knee as of 3/8/2019. I have to say that my surgeons are fantastic, they have had nothing but care and the hopes for the best possible outcome for me while dealing with these darn infections. Im in rehab now for the revised TKA and doing ok considering the amount of atrophy from having this many in such a short time. I can't say it strong enough......WHAT YOU GUYS ARE SAYING HERE IS SPOT ON , I HOPE PEPLE LISTEN...... stay focused on your own situation and work hard to progress it will come in time. prayers to all who are facing surgeryforfull and complete recoverys, good luck

Hi guys. Your videos are great. This past summer, my right knee started hurting a lot. It had never given me problems before; I’m 63 yo. I hike, bike and chase grandchildren. A MRI showed severe arthritis on both bones on the median side of right knee. He suggested partial/full knee replacement. The surgery is scheduled in Jan. Since then, I’ve been doing knee exercises, stationary biking, and losing weight. My knee does not hurt like it did. Though I have severe arthritis, do you think I could delay the surgery?

thanks doctors

Excellent points I will definitely keep in mind and implement. Thanks guys!

Ok, I broke my knee replacement twice same knee. So after my last replacement, I did not do rehab and my knee is perfect. I ordered your knee slide what a lifesaver that was. I also ordered a stationary bike. I also would put my leg on a chair in front of me and sat my purse on my leg so it would push it flat. I did not use my walker after the first week, it makes you dependent on it.. I kept the knee slide beside the kitchen table and 4 or more times a day I used it. And I have full range of motion. Thank you for the knee slide

Does anyone know of any bicycles you can buy that accommodate knees that cannot fully bend? Not recent surgery; limited ROM due to arthritis. I've heard of some adjustments you can make on a regular bike, but I'm no mechanic!

Wondered if you could advise me please. Had a TKR 2 months ago and my ROM is +5 to 117 which I am pleased about. My problem is I went into surgery with a straight leg, albeit one that was bone on bone and unstable. I now have a valgus misalignment at about 12 degrees. The consultant in the UK wants to wait until at least 6 months to see how the ligaments react to the implant before considering a revision. Can you recommend any specific exercises for my predicament, to try to deal with the mal alignment? Regards, Steve in the UK.

My husband had knee replacement in May on his second knee. Had complications. Now it's stuck, like it won't straighten out all the way and he limps and is in constant pain. Can PT fix it? Or does he need surgery again?

Spot on.

Thank you always helpful, will check out the homemade ice packs Pauline UK

hey doc what can i do after right knee replacement went south this was 3 yrs, ago and it's still very painful and i still use a walker,he wantsme to have it redone after the infection one the first go around i said no i dont think so but thanks anyway.

My new partial knee is doing better, a huge difference is using my recumbent bike daily, I do from 30 minutes to an hour and a half a day

And since I have had both knees done five years apart and the first knee took a long time to get my bend back, I think the PT and the doctor also tend to compare you to others and although it depressed me it also made me fight harder to get my ROM back

I have had both knees done since December and March .Went through Phys.therapy first time in home only 3 weeks ,2nd time in home only 2 weeks started riding a stationary bike on my second day home in Dec. and first day home in Mar. Stopped using Pain meds in 2 weeks both times .Yes it hurts been told its one of the most painful surgeries you can have .Im a sill working carpenter ,retired 27 yr firemen and played soccer until I was 45 . So I did not have an easy life.My wife worked in the orthopedic floor in the hospital where I had them done and she told me all the time people would have the surgery and all they would do is whine and cry .They wouldn't move the joint or do what they were told ,so of coarse

Ok thanks for this. Had TKR 9 days ago...I can walk without the cane slowly; ditched the walker when I heard my friend who had a double was walking right away with no cane...I was comparing. Can only get to 95. Quad still not working for a dead lift. Worried about that. I am amaze at how little pain. OK, I need to take the pain meds 45 minutes prior....I was doing half hour. This video was good. I was worried I was behind the curve.

nice! hilarious! Thanks for the good info!

Hi Guys watched this vid yesterday and I think the advice is so good and relevant, ive watched it again,im nearly six weeks post op,and got 120 ' of bend and can fully straighten my leg, im walking approx 3 1/2 miles a day over two sessions, I find I have to keep resting , ie sitting down for 5 mins , am I correct in thinking this is because my muscles are really weak, my other knee is poor and will need replacing as well, I was contemplating cycling to strengthen muscles but after watching this vid decided to resist, any advice woukd be appreciated, thanks again. I will recommend any one I know whos having TKR to watch this vid, ''

nice info

I have Charcot Marie Tooth disease and am contemplating knee replacement surgery. Can you please provide me with background info. I'm extremely concerned that the surgery might exasperate the disease. Also, because of this disease, I have some balance problems. Will these problems inhibit my rehab. Thak you so much.

What type of exercise bicycle do you recommend following a total knee replacement

Thank you guys. I am watching this in Australia and I am due to have a knee replacement at the end of the month. This has helped me immensely.

I stopped using my walker the first week after surgery and received positive response from my physical therapist, and surgeon. I was carrying it around so they both felt it wasn't helping me.

I have surgery 5/5 / 2022 two and a half months in now I still cannot bend my knee like I used to before surgery I go to therapy what should I do to help my knee been more??

I'm having trouble I am 12 weeks out and every time I go to stand I feel this kind of rolling pain its my right knee so the pain goes from left inside to right outside its snapping and popping and it HURTS ME a lot I have found myself using my hands to move my leg out enough to stand I can't put pressure on it until I have come to a complete stand using my other leg to get there please can anyone help also the swelling of my foot is driving me insane thank you to any one

Just had stem cell treatment in both knees yesterday. I’m looking for a ‘stem cell’ version of exercises to do. In lieu of that I’ll use those having to do with knee replacement. Bending and straightening. Are there other exercises that you know of for stem cell treatment that I can do?

How do I stop limping after total knee replacement? I have limped for several years due to arthritis pain. No pain now, but still limp

Had my TKR on July 5th. Did not realize how much pain I would be in. It’s the 20th today. Hopefully I’ll get the staples removed this Monday the 22.nd. Using Percocet and cold paks.

I am 56, had a knee replacement in both knees.. 2nd knee there were problems.. an infection, not in bone.. but longer rehab.. now 4 years later.. I cant straighten it.. are knee manipulations successful this far out?

My husband is going to have bilateral knee replacement. I’ll have him watch this. Thanks!

I had two knee replacements just one year ago. I wouldn't wish the pain of recovery and physical therapy on my worst enemy. I am so much better now and am glad I got the surgeries but the awful pain as they healed was excruciating.

Had total RT knee replacement 1.5 years ago. Very slow recovery. Still in pain & knee stiff when going to bed till I wake up in the am. My surgeon said: KNee xrays are good. I had 15 PTs post surgery. I' m enroll in these 2x/day Geriiatric atheletic club for more than 6 months. Ive taken all kinds of analgesics, even narcotics. I stopped them but takes CBD & Tylenol 650 mg PRN. I see my surgeon 2x q 6 months after 6 month-surgery. What else should be done?

I had TKR just over 3 weeks ago. I am 76 and a little overweight. I. Was very active before my knee started hurting, walking, golfing, biking, had to quit it all. Now I am mostly on a cane during the day, I get around the house without but keep my walker near by at night. My pain is worse in the evening, from doing to much during the day. I use ice off and on as needed. I take Tylenol but save my Oxy for trying to sleep at night. Still in the recliner. It feels like there is a second person attached to me and whatever I do I have to make sure that person is comfortable and getting what it needs. Getting PT at home and 3 more treatments then will go to outpatient. I try to take walks outside everyday but need to be careful of my limits.

Is this the same for bilateral knee replacement surgery

I had 108 degree bending of the knee 4 days after surgery but I still have lot of pain on top of the knee.

The clicking of the implant is driving me nuts.. hopefully that will get better but it might not, sigh.. Plus swelling, even though outwards it looks good, inside it hurts. Skin still sensitive but incision looks great. Good mobility too. Still QUITE a bit of pain. None of this was or is fun. Physical Therapy also kicks my butt bigtime. But it's just been over a month. This HAS to be a success for I don't ever, EVER want to do this again. The hip replacements, at a month apart, was SOooo much easier.

I just had my post op check up on day 10 and my surgeon told me to stop using crutches now and switch to a walking stick😮. I had my right knee replacement in march 2022 and my left one done on 05 June 2023, my first one had no bruising but the one I just had was so much more painful and I was black and blue from mid thigh down to my ankle

How do you deal with situations where hospitals PT, recommended in home PT, DR says 2 weeks post op, and the office nurse say 3-4 weeks, and pt is not really needed? The office staff is the ones doing the paperwork! I’m a commercial driver trying to get back to work. I’ve done all my work have great insurance, and the nurse seem to be not getting me PT!

Thanks, so true with using a cane to early.

My mother had surgery on the same knee 4x's in 4 years! (the just can't get it right!!) This time, the Tibia cracked down the middle... Q: BEST PT for her since she is NON-WEIGHT BEARING...