Follow the surgeon's plan
Knee replacement recovery is individual. The surgeon or treating team may provide guidance about weight-bearing, wound care, range of motion, walking aids, exercises, and follow-up. Keep those instructions available and share them with the physiotherapist.
Do not compare one person's pace with another's or add exercises because they worked for someone else. Progress should be guided by the person's condition and medical plan.
Practise the tasks that matter at home
Recovery often involves getting out of bed, standing from a chair, walking to the bathroom, turning, and managing stairs. A home physiotherapist can assess the actual route, chair height, bed setup, and walking-aid technique.
Caregivers can support the routine by preparing the space, allowing enough time, and staying close without pulling the operated leg or rushing the person.
Build consistency without overdoing it
Pain, swelling, sleep, fatigue, and confidence can change from day to day. Follow the prescribed routine, use rest as advised, and tell the medical or rehabilitation team when symptoms are worsening or movement becomes less safe.
Urgent warning signs
Contact the surgeon or seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever, wound discharge, increasing redness, sudden calf swelling, or sudden weakness. Physiotherapy is not emergency care.